A recent survey showed that 51% of participants hated the way their teeth looked. It also showed that 60% of people are very likely to delay going to see their dentist.
If you are unhappy with how your teeth look, you may be considering Invisalign treatment. This is a common option for those who want straight teeth for a more confident smile.
Should I get Invisalign from a dentist or orthodontist is a common question that people have if they want to improve their dental health and physical appearance.
Keep reading to find out if you need a dentist or orthodontic care.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of teeth straightening plan for those with crooked teeth. It uses clear plastic aligners that straighten your teeth over time.
These are considered to be a type of clear braces that require multiple sets. You will wear these aligners for two weeks before switching to the next adjusted pair.
They have become a more popular option than braces since they are removable. They are also nearly invisible, making them ideal if you are insecure about your smile.
Dentist or Orthodontist
Wondering, “should I get Invisalign from a dentist or orthodontist?” It may be tempting to stick with your dentist when getting Invisalign. To better understand, let’s define the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. An orthodontist is a specialist who can only align your teeth. Orthodontists are dentists but go to additional schooling to become an orthodontist, similar to a doctor who obtains additional schooling to become a surgeon. Orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bite, or fitting them for corrective braces and devices. If a patient has an overbite, a dentist will refer him or her to an orthodontist.
Dentists typically encourage good oral hygiene and provide services related to this, like crowns, veneers, bridges, and cavities. Orthodontists are dentists that specialize in the alignment of teeth and provide services related to misaligned teeth and correcting bites like overbite or underbite.
What an orthodontist can help with
Orthodontists help with crooked teeth, but they assist patients with other issues as well. These include overbites and underbites, crossbites, spaces between teeth, overcrowding of teeth, and the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Additional problems with the jaw also need to be treated by an orthodontist.
While a dentist may be trained to provide orthodontic care in addition to extractions, TMJ treatments, and fillings, trusting your smile to an orthodontist (specialist) can better balance the different procedures you require.
Who Needs Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great option for anyone with misaligned teeth. You may have severely crooked teeth or simply want them to straighten out a bit.
People who may not qualify for braces could qualify for Invisalign. This is a realistic option for anyone with dental insecurities if they don’t like the way their smile looks.
Keep in mind that this is a long process that requires plenty of commitment. You have to wear your Invisalign at least 20 hours a day and keep them clean and maintained.
There will also be some mild discomfort as your teeth are being adjusted from the aligner trays.
Oral Health: Should I Get Invisalign From a Dentist or Orthodontist
If you aren’t happy with the appearance of your teeth, Invisalign treatment is a good option. This is a simple way to straighten your teeth without the need for braces.
Are you still curious if you should get Invisalign from a dentist or orthodontist? If you choose Invisalign, you should find an orthodontist to help with this process, not just a dentist.
Are you interested in finding a local orthodontist? Contact us today at Boschken Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.
