There are quite a few DIY Invisalign options available from brands that claim to work with certified dental professionals. With these options making it more convenient than ever to address moving/crooked teeth, patients have been wondering why they should bother going to an orthodontist or dentist to address these needs. Before diving into why you want to leave your Invisalign needs to a professional, it is essential to address the differences between an orthodontist and a dentist.
Orthodontist vs. Dentist: Are They Really All That Different?
There are notable differences between an orthodontist and a dentist. While both professionals help to improve the look of a patient‘s smile, here is what makes them significantly different:
- Dentist: Provides general care for patients. They check for signs of oral disease and hygiene problems as they can affect the patient‘s overall health and well-being if gone unchecked. Dentists can also help change your smile’s appearance using bonding, veneers, and/or crowns.
- Orthodontist: Specializes in moving teeth and aligning the jaw by using a variety of tools, including clear aligners (Invisalign), traditional braces, and other orthodontic appliances.
With so many options for DIY Invisalign available, millions of patients believe it‘s worth the investment because most of these companies claim they work with state–licensed dentists and orthodontists. Unfortunately, there is no way to know which one you‘ll be working with, as cases are typically assigned at random.
Why You Should Consult an Orthodontist for Your Invisalign Needs
While DIY Invisalign may seem convenient, and even though many of these brands claim to work with licensed dentists and orthodontists, you have no real way of knowing this unless you are going into one of their offices and speaking face–to–face with the professional in charge of your case – which isn‘t always possible.
This is why you want to seek out and consult with your local orthodontist if you have questions regarding Invisalign. While a dentist can help give you guidance on options, they do not have the specialized training that an orthodontist does to help you find the best solution for moving your teeth or realigning your jaw. They also spot things that need to be addressed before moving your teeth – problems that you can’t see yourself or simply don’t have the training to recognize.
A licensed orthodontist will not only guide you on what options are best for your individual needs but will show you how these options could benefit your smile through x-rays and other imaging procedures.
If you think Invisalign is right for you, then schedule your consultation today!
Source: https://aosmiles.com/orthodontist-vs-dentist-which-is-best-if-im-considering-invisalign/