Maintaining a healthy smile is a lifelong effort that should begin in early childhood. As a parent, establishing an at-home oral hygiene routine with your little ones is just as important scheduling trips to the family dentist and the orthodontist. It’s common to field questions from your children as to why they need to see both dental professionals and how their services differ. To demystify what these oral care experts do, here’s some insight into how they help patients manage the health of their teeth and gums. 

Understanding the Differences Between Family Dentists & Orthodontists

What Does a Family Dentist Specialize In?

A dentist should be considered the primary healthcare provider for your teeth and gums. With their general expertise, these doctors should be seen every six months for teeth cleaning and to confirm your overall oral health. In addition to teeth cleaning, your dentist will identify dental issues like tooth decay and cavities and provide treatments to fix these problems, such as fillings and root canals. Family dentists treat patients of all ages and can also offer cosmetic services, such as teeth whitening, dental implants, and dentures. 

When Should You See an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics is a specialty within the field of dentistry. Orthodontists occasionally practice separately from dentists and in many situations do not offer preventative treatments like teeth cleanings. Instead, they focus on bite and teeth alignment. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, your orthodontist can rectify overbites, underbites, and crooked and crowded teeth. While there’s no hard and fast rule, most adolescents visit an orthodontics clinic around the age of seven so the specialist can identify any issues with jaw growth and gauge how permanent teeth are growing in. 

If you or your children need dental or orthodontic care, Robert A Klement, DDS is a trusted family dentist serving patients of all ages across Wood County, WI. Since opening in 1983, this friendly, experienced practice has specialized in providing ongoing dental care, from preventive teeth cleanings and oral cancer screenings to orthodontics. To schedule an appointment, call the office at (715) 421-3030. For additional information on the treatments this practice provides and their commitment to helping patients maintain beautiful, healthy smiles through every life stage, visit their website.