Can my general dentist provide me with orthodontic care? The easy answer is “Yes, a general dentist CAN offer a patient this treatment.” If a dentist can align and straighten a patient’s teeth with braces as well as an average orthodontist, then they are qualified to provide orthodontic treatment. Dr. Scott Kesselman of Riverside Orthodontics in Fairfield County, CT has years of experience in this field, and is a dentist that is certified to provide orthodontic treatment.
Not every general dentist will offer a patient orthodontic treatment. Most general dentists refer their orthodontic cases to an orthodontist. Dr. Scott Kesselman says that some dentists do root canals, and some work with braces. Others refer all of their patients that require root canals or braces to another specialist.
If a dentist intends to provide orthodontic treatment in their practice, they do need to meet a certain standard of care. Dr. Scott Kesselman says that orthodontists receive an extra two-to-three years beyond dental school of specialized training in orthodontics. To be comparable, a general dentist would need more training and a higher level of experience. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), hundreds of orthodontic procedures are carried out by general dentists each year and that restorative care can be much more complex than just orthodontics.
A common misperception is that orthodontists charge more for orthodontic treatment than dentists, but in reality the cost of orthodontics is based on the complexity of treatment. There can be dangers associated with receiving treatment from a general dentist not certified in orthodontics. Some dentists pay for membership to societies such as the “International Association of Orthodontics,” where members are not really orthodontists and are not defined by their training but by what they can do.
If you’re looking for a certified orthodontist in Fairfield County, CT that can give you the healthy, beautiful smile that you deserve, then consider Dr. Scott Kesselman and the team at Riverside Orthodontics. To schedule a consultation, please contact us at our office at: 203-698-0045.
