Dentists and orthodontists are a great help when it comes to maintaining your oral health. Yet, determining which practice to go to can be a bit tricky if you don’t know the difference. At the office of Dr. Carole Randolph, our Valencia orthodontist works hard to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Our services are focused on improving the appearance and functionality of your smile so that you can be proud to show it off to your peers. It’s important to understand what an orthodontist and dentist offer, so we want to provide you with information about each field of study.
What Does A Dentist Do?
Many of us have gone to the dentist at some point in our lives, whether it was for a general check up or other oral health issues. Dentists cover a large range of oral health issues and diseases, and can even perform various surgical oral procedures since they are licensed surgeons. Their services typically relate to issues such as tooth decay, root canals, gum disease, crowns and bridges, veneers, and teeth whitening.
Dentist help patients achieve a cleaner, healthier smile which is why it is recommended to see the dentist at least twice a year. It is also recommended to see the dentist if you ever are concerned with the following:
- Believe you may have a cavity, gum disease or tooth decay issues
- Concerned about your teeth and gum health
- Would like to maintain and learn how to keep your mouth clean for preventative care
- Like to have a checkup to ensure good oral health before any issues arise
What Does An Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist’s purpose is more than just providing patients with a pretty smile. Though dentists may focus on a more broad range of oral health issues, an orthodontist specializes in treating dental irregularities, such as crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth, and over or underbites. An orthodontist is actually a licensed dentist who obtained additional schooling to specialize in these irregularities. They will evaluate your bite to determine the best treatment option, such as braces or Invisalign. An orthodontist can help with many other issues such as:
- Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
- Problems with the jaw
- Speech impediments
- Bone destruction
- Lockjaw
- Headaches
It is recommended that children see an orthodontist for a check up by the age of 7, so that your he or she can detect and treat your child’s orthodontic issues early with appliances and other preventative care.
Contact Your Valencia, CA Orthodontist Today!
At times, dentists may even notice a patient’s need for braces or Invisalign and will refer them to a preferred orthodontist. It is important to have both doctors working together to provide amazing results for your teeth and jaw. At Dr. Carole Randolph’s office in Valencia, CA, we work hard to provide our patients with a beautiful smile through our high quality orthodontic treatments. If you feel that you are a candidate for braces, Invisalign, or other services, please contact us today, and schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and perfect smile!