What is the Difference between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

Everybody should visit a dentist regularly, but only certain people need to visit an orthodontist. The difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is not something that everybody knows, but everybody should be prepared to visit an orthodontist if they have certain tooth or gum problems. If your dentist recommends you start looking for orthodontists in your area, you should start searching for a professional orthodontist in Richmond Hill.

Similarities between Dentists and Orthodontists

First of all, it’s worth taking note as to how a dentist and an orthodontist are similar. One way to think about orthodontist is as a specialist for certain common dental issues. All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. While all dentists pay attention to hygiene matters such as protecting against tooth decay and cosmetic matters such as dental whitening, an orthodontist in Richmond Hill also handles things like the realignment of teeth and correcting an overbite. Orthodontists also help with congenital tooth and jaw problems that could cause bigger issues down the road if left unchecked in a patient. When your dentist determines that an orthodontist may be necessary, you will likely receive orthodontist recommendations directly from that office.

What Does an Orthodontist Help With?

Normally when you receive a referral to an orthodontist in Richmond Hill, it comes as a result of a dentist referring you after a checkup. The most common reason an orthodontist gets involved is due to crooked teeth. Other situations that might bring you before an orthodontist in Richmond Hill include an overbite or underbite, crossbite, overcrowding of teeth, or a jaw disorder. If your dental office tells you that you need an orthodontist but doesn’t provide you with a referral to a specific orthodontist in Richmond Hill or the surrounding region, you can ask for a recommendation on how to find an orthodontist. If you still have no luck, there are a number of other ways to find the best orthodontist in Richmond Hill for your needs.

How to Find the Right Orthodontist

If your dental office doesn’t provide you with a referral to an orthodontist Richmond Hill, you might find yourself needing to figure out how to find a good orthodontist yourself. In this case, looking up orthodontists in your area is a good start. From there, look into the different orthodontists’ professional profiles. Where did they go to school? How long has the individual been an orthodontist in Richmond Hill? When you research a professional who is an orthodontist, consider patient reviews as well. Choosing an orthodontist becomes easier when you can see what patients of the orthodontist liked and didn’t like about the professional. When you finally narrow down your search to an orthodontist in Richmond Hill, seek out a consultation. This is a chance to meet the orthodontist and see what separates this individual from other orthodontists in the area.

What happens at an orthodontist consultation? This is when you get to speak to the orthodontist Richmond Hill that might be right for you. The orthodontist will examine your record, provide you with a professional opinion on treatment needed, and connect you with an administrative assistant who can tell you how to get an orthodontist appointment. If you find that your personality doesn’t mesh well with the orthodontist, you can request a referral to other orthodontists in the area. The goal is always to find the right orthodontist in Richmond Hill for you, so take your time and choose well.