Here at Sturgill Orthodontics, we know you want nothing but the best for your family. That includes a beautiful smile that looks great, feels good, and functions perfectly! Our expert team is able to achieve excellent results for anyone in need of orthodontic care, but we often hear from people who wonder if their family dentist can accomplish the same thing. For all their similarities, however, there are some significant differences between dentists and orthodontists. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about the best option for you and your family. Keep reading below to learn more about why we recommend trusting your family’s smiles to an experienced orthodontist!
Extra education, training, and experience
Dentists and orthodontists both begin their careers in dental school, but after graduation, they take different paths. While dentists will normally begin practicing at this point, orthodontists will go on to complete 2-3 additional years of specialized learning and training. This will focus on identifying and treating misalignment of the teeth and jaws, and includes:
- studying the growth and maturation of a child’s mouth
- learning biomechanical techniques to successfully move the teeth with braces and aligners
- developing diagnostic skills
- working on numerous case studies
When you see what’s involved, it’s no wonder only about 6% of dentists go on to become orthodontists! While all students will receive some basic orthodontic training in dental school, most dentists won’t possess the same level of training and experience an orthodontist does.
That being said, there are some general dentists out there who are capable of providing quality orthodontic care to their patients. These dentists will often sharpen their skills with continuing education courses, seminars, and weekend workshops. Though undoubtedly informational, these events simply can’t cover so much orthodontic material in any real depth. For this reason, even dentists with some orthodontic experience will often lack the extensive education and training an experienced orthodontist has.
If your family dentist offers orthodontic care, it’s understandable that you’d consider them for treatment. You’re already familiar with their office and their team, and that can be very comforting! Most people prefer what they know over what they don’t. Before you move forward with orthodontic treatment by your dentist, however, we encourage you to consider the benefits of choosing a dedicated orthodontic practice, such as:
- a wider variety of treatment options, like metal braces, clear braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign clear aligners
- a customized treatment plan created just for you that’s based on your unique smile, lifestyle, and desired results
- more efficient treatments and visits, since orthodontics is the main focus
- the best possible outcome for your smile and oral health, particularly if your case is more complex or severe
At Sturgill Orthodontics, we have a team of expert orthodontists that keep the focus on specialized care and treatments. Our doctors perform teeth straightening procedures daily and keep up to date on the latest in techniques and technology. In addition, our staff members regularly attend online and in-person continuing education courses in order to provide patients with the highest-quality care, a rewarding experience, and the best outcomes.
Choose specialized orthodontic care for the healthiest smiles
As the patient, it’s up to you to choose the provider you feel most comfortable with! But when it comes to your family’s smiles, we think it just makes sense to find an orthodontist with specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move the teeth. We happen to have three! Although some dentists can provide certain orthodontic services, our doctors have many years of combined experience in crafting healthy, aligned smiles for patients of all ages.
Choosing orthodontic care can also help you avoid any unnecessary complications throughout the treatment process. Orthodontists are more likely to notice the “small things” that a general dentist may overlook. You can also trust an orthodontist to recommend only the most appropriate treatments for you and your family. This can help reduce overall treatment times and lessen the chance of any complications. Your treatment plan will always be personalized, time-effective, and built around your family’s budget!
Trust your family’s smiles to Sturgill Orthodontics
At Sturgill Orthodontics, our goal is to provide every patient with a positive and stress-free orthodontic experience. Our talented team offers every patient world-class care, the most effective treatment options, and the latest in smile technology. Whether you’re visiting our Johnson City, TN or Norton, VA office, you can expect a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere. And because our only specialty is orthodontics, we’re able to give our patients nothing but the best from the first appointment to the last—and beyond!
Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier smile? We’d love to meet you and your family! When you schedule a FREE consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by one of our doctors. Following this exam, you’ll be provided with any relevant diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Don’t worry—this is a no-pressure visit! Even if you decide not to pursue orthodontic treatment immediately, our team will be happy to address any concerns you have in order to help you make an informed decision.
Your family deserves a lifetime of healthy smiles! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Sturgill Orthodontics!