We know you want the best for your family. And that likely includes healthy teeth and a confident smile! If you’ve considered an orthodontic evaluation for you or your child, you may be wondering about the differences between your general/family dentist and an experienced orthodontist. There are some big differences between the two that are not common knowledge. Dr. Joe Dietrich and his expert team are proud to provide high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages. Keep reading below to learn more about why you should trust your family’s smiles to an experienced orthodontist!
Education, training, and experience
While dentists and orthodontists both begin their careers in dental school, their paths diverge after graduation. Orthodontists like Dr. Dietrich must complete two to three additional years of specialized training in an orthodontic residency. During their residency, orthodontists-in-training learn how to identify and treat misalignment of the teeth and jaws. During this time, they’ll also:
- study the growth and maturation of a child’s mouth, teeth and jaw
- learn biomechanical techniques to reliably move the teeth with braces and appliances
- develop their diagnostic skills
- Specifically and only provide orthodontic treatment as a resident to patients with the supervision of trained orthodontic faculty
- Complete their own research as well as be up to date on all existing and current orthodontic research
As you can see, there’s quite a lot that goes into becoming an orthodontist! General dentists, while they are some of our favorite people and provide excellent dental and oral health care to our patients, they do not possess this level of orthodontic training and experience. That being said, all dentists will receive some very basic level of orthodontic training in dental school.
Some dentists will try to learn with continuing education seminars and workshops. The downside to this, of course, is that workshops and seminars are taught by other dentists that have not gone through an orthodontic residency program. Additionally, they are unable to cover such extensive material in the same depth as the years of specialized training of an orthodontist, including consistent hands on experience. Dentists with orthodontic experience will still lack the level of education and training an orthodontist has.
If you have a family dentist who offers orthodontic care, it’s understandable that you’d consider them as an option. After all, you’re already comfortable with them and their team, and most people prefer the familiar over the unknown. But before you move forward with orthodontic treatment by your dentist, you should consider the benefits of choosing an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Dietrich. These include:
- a doctor who only performs orthodontics on every patient, every day, therefore is their only focus
- a customized treatment plan created just for you based on your unique needs, lifestyle, and desired results
- more efficient treatments and visits, since orthodontics is their only focus
- the best possible outcome for your smile, especially if your case is complex or severe
At Dietrich Orthodontics, we keep our focus on orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Dietrich performs teeth straightening procedures daily and works constantly to perfect his technique. Our entire team stays up to date on the latest in industry practices by regularly attending continuing education courses, whether in-person or online (much more common these days!). Both our Canton and Alliance offices are equipped with the most current orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide patients with high-quality care and exceptional results!
Specialized care produces the best smiles
As the patient, you have the right to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with. But when it comes to the way your smile looks and feels, it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move your teeth. While some dentists can provide orthodontic services, Dr. Dietrich has years of experience in creating beautifully aligned smiles.
Orthodontic care can also help you avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things that a general dentist may overlook and will only recommend the appropriate treatment plan for you. This can reduce treatment times and lessen the chance of any complications. The treatment plan itself will be time-effective, affordable, and built around your unique smile.
Trust your family’s smiles to Dietrich Orthodontics
If you’re looking for a positive, rewarding orthodontic experience, you’ve come to the right place! Our talented team offers the highest quality care, the latest treatments, and the most innovative technology. We provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! And since our only specialty is orthodontics, we’re able to give our patients nothing but the best.
Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier smile? We’d love to meet you! When you schedule a FREE consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by Dr. Dietrich. Following this exam, we’ll provide you with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Don’t worry—this is a no-pressure visit! Even if you decide not to start your orthodontic treatment right away, our team will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have to help you make an informed decision.
Your family deserves a lifetime of confident smiles! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE in-office exam at our offices in Alliance and Canton!