Reasons to Consider a General Dentist for Orthodontic Treatment

While orthodontics is a dental specialty, many general dentists offer orthodontic treatment alongside traditional dental services. This is due to the fact that the appearance and health of one's teeth are connected. A general dentist who offers orthodontic services will have the necessary training and education to address minor to moderate orthodontic treatment, allowing patients to achieve their dream smile with a trusted dental professional.

An overview of general dentists and orthodontics

A general dentist is the most common type of dental professional, which is why they are known as a primary care dental professional. This type of dental professional can provide a variety of dental procedures for patients, including basic orthodontic treatment like clear aligners and retainers. However, if a patient needs to require a more complex orthodontic procedure, then the dentist will provide a referral to an orthodontist.

Reasons to consider a general dentist for orthodontic treatment

The most common type of orthodontic treatment general dentists will provide for their patients is braces, which include clear aligners. The list below includes some of the more common reasons a dental patient should consider making an appointment with a general dentist to find out and potentially undergo orthodontic treatment.

General dentists are already familiar with a patient’s dental information

Dental patients who make an appointment with their general dentist in order to undergo orthodontic treatment will benefit from the fact that the dentist already understands everything there is to know about their overall mouth health. This means they can feel more confident about their general dentist's orthodontic recommendations and feel confident in their care as they undergo the orthodontic treatment. In addition, the patient already knows this dental professional and will not have to adjust to a new dental professional for them to receive the treatment they need.

General dentists have undergone additional training

When a general dentist decides to offer their patients orthodontic treatment options, they will need to undergo additional training to understand more about orthodontics. This additional orthodontic training allows them to learn how to offer their patients effective options that will improve the overall health of their mouth. General dentists often undergo training to offer the following orthodontic treatments:

• Metal braces
• Clear aligners
• Removable functional appliance therapy (e.g., bionator and twin block)
• Retainers

General dentists address a patient’s overall oral health

Since general dentists are specifically trained to help their patients experience a healthy mouth, they understand how to take care of a patient's oral health during orthodontic treatment. This is why it is so important for patients to make regular dental appointments while undergoing orthodontics, as this allows the dentist to ensure that the patient's overall mouth health is at the level it should be.

Are you currently in need of orthodontic treatment?

Are you currently in need of orthodontics to improve the overall quality of your oral health? The James Lake, DDS team is here to help you take the next step. Call our Yucca Valley office to learn more about our orthodontics treatment options or to schedule a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://www.jameslakedds.com or call James Lake, DDS at (760) 853-2144 for an appointment in our Yucca Valley office.

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