Perhaps you didn’t get the chance to have braces when you were a teen, or maybe your teeth have relapsed to where they were years ago before treatment. In any case, you want to straighten your smile now for good. When you meet with your general dentist, they may refer you to an orthodontist for treatment. At first, you may be a little confused; why can’t your general dentist take care of this transformation? Is working with an orthodontic specialist really advisable? The short answer is, yes! In this post, you’ll learn why working with this specialist is important and the qualifications of an orthodontic expert that enable them to give you the perfect smile.
Why Expertise Matters
If you needed a hip replacement, would you rather see a surgeon who does hundreds of these procedures each year or work with a practioner who only does a couple hip replacements each month? If you feel that experience is important for the professional who might work on your hip, then you would probably feel more comfortable trusting your teeth to someone with the greatest amount of expertise and experience. Some general dentists take on orthodontic cases, however they spend most of their time helping patients in other ways, such as with cavities or gum disease. In contrast, orthodontists exclusively focus on this area of dentistry and have the greatest amount of experience treating malocclusions.
When Orthodontic Care Isn’t Handled Properly
You may have seen viral videos of people who attempted to straighten their teeth with mail-order aligners and ended up with loose teeth, an uneven bite or losing some teeth. Improper orthodontic treatment without the supervision of a qualified professional is dangerous. While the risk of these outcomes is significantly reduced with a general dentist, if you want to make absolutely sure that the job is done correctly, you should work with an orthodontist.
Orthodontist Qualifications
Moving teeth properly requires in-depth knowledge of jaw development, bone physiology and facial growth patterns. Any dentist can take a training course in orthodontics or learn about Invisalign during a weekend seminar. However, those who become orthodontists dedicate an additional two to three years to learning the science and artistry necessary to effectively treat all types of tooth alignment and bite issues. After finishing this residency, orthodontists undergo thousands of hours of advanced training on the subject throughout their career, ensuring that their patients receive the most innovative and effective treatment available in the industry.
Ultimately, if your dentist refers you to an orthodontist, you can take it as a good thing. It means the alignment of your teeth will not only look great, but your upper and lower teeth will fit together comfortably. If you trust your treatment to Dr. Ben at Grayslake Orthodontics, then he will help you create a “Smile Youel Love” for the rest of your life!
About the Author
After completing his dental degree, Dr. Ben Youel practiced as a general dentist for a few years before going back to complete a three-year orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois Chicago. During residency, he was elected class president and earned a master’s degree in oral sciences. He practices at Grayslake Orthodontics and offers services ranging from traditional braces to clear aligners, Phase 1 orthodontics, and more. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Youel, reach out to his Grayslake office online or call 847-548-4330.
