Orthodontists and dentists may differ in services, but they are both equally important. Dr. Scott Kesselman and the team at Riverside Orthodontics may provide orthodontic treatment to people of all ages with conditions that vary in severity, but we recognize the importance of continuing to see your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and check-ups.
Dentists vs. Orthodontists: Similarities
A dentist and an orthodontist begin their careers in much the same way. They both must attend dental school after graduating from a bachelor’s degree program. After completing dental school, a future orthodontist will need to complete a two to three year residency at an American Dental Association approved, university-affiliated program. A dentist, however, will be awarded a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry), depending on what they choose to specialize in.
Dentists vs. Orthodontists: Differences
Think of a dentist as the primary care physician for your teeth. They perform routine maintenance and ensure that, overall, your mouth remains healthy. Some dentist-specific procedures include:
- Cleanings
- Whitenings
- Root Canals
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Veneers
- Bridges
An orthodontist like Dr. Kesselman near Darien CT however, is a specialist. If a dentist cannot assist you in correcting a dental condition, they will, oftentimes, refer you to an orthodontist. Orthodontic offices like Riverside Orthodontics focus on the alignment of your teeth and malocclusions. A malocclusion is an issue concerning your ‘bite’ and typically refers to one of the following:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Severe Overcrowding
- Tooth Gaps
The most common form of orthodontic treatment is braces. Braces can help address a number of the aforementioned conditions, but can only be installed by an orthodontist in Darien CT.
Dr. Kesselman and the team at Riverside Orthodontics understand the importance of maintaining a healthy dental routine while receiving orthodontic treatment. Braces, especially, can make maintaining dental hygiene particularly difficult and result in cavities or worse. Be sure to heed the advice of Dr. Kesselman and the team at Riverside Orthodontics near Darien CT for optimal dental health and regularly visit the dentist and the orthodontist!
