Dentist or Orthodontist, does it matter that much?

A great question was posted in the Q&A section that asked who ulitmately makes the Invisalign treatment plan, the dentist or the Invisalign company. Click here to see the dentists answers to this question.

This is most obviously a biased opinion; however, I must say that an orthodontist is a specialist in tooth movement, this is what they do all day in and out. An orthodontist has had 2-3 years of extra, intense education in the biology of tooth movement, and they firmly understand how to correct malocclusions (bad bites). The most important aspect of success in orthodontic treatment is diagnosis. If the diagnosis is correct, the case and teeth will come together predictably. The ability to make a sound orthodontic diagnosis take years of education, and the education never ends.

A general dentist truly has a very poor education in orthodontics in dental school, and may take a weekend course here and there in order to learn how to move teeth, but this really makes them more dangerous than educated. If I were to recommend my friend or family member to someone for Invisalign treatment, I would without fail recommend them to an orthodontist that has experience in Invisalign, that does the procedure everyday for living.

If you are in the process of selecting an Invisalign provider a Forum was opened that might interest you. It addresses the question, "What is the difference between a Preferred, Premier, Premier Elite provider?"

A question was posted in the Q&A section that asked "Do Invisalign results depend on competence of provider?" Click here to see the dentists opinions on this subject.

An article was published in the Seattle Times today on things to consider when choosing an orthodontist. Click here if you would like to read the article.

I would most definitely go with an orthodontist, as I did. This is what they are trained for and excel in. :)

To become an orthodontist, one has to attend at least two more years of specific training in orthodontia in addition to their regular dentistry education. Not to say that a dentist couldn't perform some type of realignment, but an orthodontist is typically going to be much more experienced in this type of "repair."

Honestly, I'm not a huge expert on the subject, but I've been putting together a website at http://www.orthodontistsalaryblog.com and I've been doing quite a bit of research lately. I hope I've helped a little.