Share:

You want a healthy, beaming smile; it suggests contentment, wellness, and peace of mind. Going to the dentist is a key part of achieving this. But did you know that gum decay is also correlated with more serious illnesses, such as heart disease and dementia? You also need an orthodontist to help with important alignment problems with your teeth and jaws. To understand the best course of action to achieve and maintain that healthy smile, it’s important to learn what oral health care options are available, and which combination is right for you.

Dentists vs. Orthodontists

Dentists

We often go to a dental clinic for a twice-yearly check-up. Those visits might include a regular cavity check with a teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist. The dentist may drop in for an inspection to determine whether you need fillings or a root canal procedure.

Dentistry is the field of medicine related to the oral cavity. While it is closely associated with teeth, it addresses the greater ecosystem and architecture of the mouth. This is crucial early in life, but it’s just as important as we turn the corner on thirty and begin to head into mid-life.

Orthodontists

dentistOrthodontists handle more than braces. You might visit the orthodontist to seek help for temporomandibular disorders, or jaw and mandible pain. Other common ailments that require orthodontics include misaligned or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, or crossbites. Orthodontists also administer check-ups for braces, retainers, and headgear.

Orthodontics is a specialized practice within the field of dentistry. In other words, all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontics works side-by-side with traditional dental medicine to help teeth align and sit comfortably in the mouth. In turn, this reduces strain, pain, stress, and discomfort in the oral cavity, and has the auxiliary benefit of enabling patients to look out into the world and smile with confidence.

Similarities

Both branches of medicine require expert education in dentistry and exist in both private practices and dental hospitals. They help us improve the health and appearance of our teeth. This is part of an overall process, including regular cleanings and alignment that helps promote a healthy oral ecosystem. 

 

People often need expert care from both a dentist and orthodontist to maintain oral and total body health. If you are in Beatrice or Superior, NE, or the surrounding areas, trust Richard J. Mazour, DDS, to handle all your family’s dental care needs. These compassionate, expert dental professionals work hard to make every patient’s visit a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Call (402) 223­-5109 for an appointment or like them on Facebook.

tracking