This is a very common doubt that comes  around the 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑭𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅… Please take your time to read this very valuable information for you . 

Although there are some General Dentists that offer Orthodontic Treatments such as  𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒏, 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔, unfortunately patients are rarely aware of the amount of training the dentist has had in the Orthodontics field, plus their experience with a particular appliance and with complex cases.

What is the difference between a 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕 and an 𝑶𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕? Quite simple! Both are General Dentists.

In Dental School, they both learned things like cleaning teeth, extracting teeth, removing cavities and placing fillings. Once a dentist graduates from dental school, they go on to practice General Dentistry.

Now, In order to become an 𝑶𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕, a dentist has to then continue with his/her education by undergoing a competitive entry, three (3) year postgraduate degree course. During this time he/she will be dedicated to receive a full time training in both clinical and academic studies focused only in 𝑶𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒔.

Upon completion of this extensive training, they become an Orthodontics Specialist. So ,  that is an 𝑶𝑹𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑫𝑶𝑵𝑻𝑰𝑺𝑻.

So, if you see a 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝑶𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕, you can have the confidence that the dental professional has had considerable experience in this particular field of Dentistry.

This is the reason why an Orthodontist should  always be your first choice when it comes to any dental treatment that involves  the correction of 𝑩𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒔, and 𝑻𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

Dr. María Isabel Fernández

Specialist Orthodontist