Invisalign treatment is fast becoming the most popular choice for people looking to correct certain dental issues. Invisalign, also known as invisible aligners, uses a unique approach in repositioning and aligning your teeth while remaining virtually invisible, unlike traditional metal braces.
This treatment method is well known for using clear aligners as the preferable option for orthodontic treatment. One advantage that is appealing to most orthodontic patients is that this treatment method uses SmartForce Technology to produce customized clear aligners unique to your teeth.
These clear aligners are then fitted over your teeth to help realign and straighten your teeth with minimal pain and discomfort. Invisalign is also a perfect choice since you don’t have to adjust your eating habits or cut back on certain foods and drinks.
Having understood what an Invisalign is, you need to know the right professional you need to visit when looking to get one installed. Most general dentists today offer orthodontic treatment solutions to patients in their offices. They are like a one-stop shop for all your dental needs.
This may seem appealing at first because of the convenience of having to visit only one office. However, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a trained and certified orthodontic specialist with the unique expertise and experience needed to understand the complex nature of realigning and straightening teeth.
Because of the increasing popularity of Invisalign, dentists are offering Invisalign treatment in their offices. This has further been made possible by advancements in medical technology. Today, dentists have various medical equipment that enables perform tasks such as clear aligners for Invisalign treatment.
Despite their efficiency, no technology has the experience or expertise of an orthodontist. For this reason, it is advisable to seek Invisalign treatment and any other orthodontic treatment from a certified orthodontist.
Who Should You Trust?
To narrow down who to trust for your Invisalign treatment, you need to understand the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. A dentist and orthodontist all start at the same educational level. They both have to secure a degree before joining dental school.
After joining a dental school, both of them go through a four-year doctoral program. A dentist completes their studies and begins to practice general dentistry. On the other hand, to become an orthodontist, you have to complete a two to three-year orthodontic residency program approved by the American Dental Association.
To become a fully trained orthodontist, you have to complete over 26,000hrs of additional training without adding the extra hours of lab work you need to put in. In most cases, orthodontists have to go for further training even after completing their residency.
Once they complete their residency, they apply for certification from the American Board of Orthodontics. As clearly indicated, every orthodontist is a dentist, but not all dentists are orthodontists.
You also need to remember that practically all dentists are legally allowed to perform various dental procedures on you, including Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments.
However, it is worth noting that they lack in unique skills and experience needed to diagnose, treat and prevent orthodontic problems. Orthodontists are unique equipped to bring back that smile to your face, making them the best choice for an Invisalign dentist.
You can look at it from this perspective; you can visit a general physician’s office when you need to consult on cancer treatment. It makes more sense to see an oncologist who is trained and certified in that very field.
You should apply the same principle when choosing whom to go to for your Invisalign treatment program. Like oncologists, orthodontists further specialize in harmonizing jaw structure, realigning teeth, and optimizing your bite.
Invisalign treatments are known for excellent performance. However, like any other treatment regime, it comes with its limitations. A general dentist may advise you to choose Invisalign. Still, with limited knowledge of how to reposition and align the teeth or the relationship between the facial muscles, jaws, and other tissues, the treatment may not be as efficient.
A trained orthodontist can advise you appropriately if an Invisalign treatment is right for you or if you need a combination of braces and invisible aligners for better effect.
Bottom Line
It is best to seek the services of a trained and certified orthodontist for your Invisalign treatment. This is mainly because of their rich background knowledge and skills in various orthodontic issues.