What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

Although both dentists and orthodontists specialize in oral healthcare, there is a difference between the two. Dentists diagnose and treat common oral health conditions, such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, oral cancer, and a wide array of other issues. They are also capable of taking dental X-rays, extracting teeth, filling cavities, treating gum disease, installing dental crowns or other restorations, promoting good oral hygiene, and prescribing medication to address various oral health conditions.

An orthodontist can also perform many of the same tasks as a general dentist; however, they are specially trained to focus on the alignment of your teeth and jaw. When looking for an “orthodontist near me,” make sure they can diagnose malocclusion and provide proper treatment, formulate a plan that includes both braces and retainers, is capable of straightening teeth, and provides various dental appliances to assist in the treatment process.

Do braces hurt?

When it comes to wearing braces, you can expect some soreness and discomfort in the days following their initial placement. You might even have some minor pain after having a wire tightened or swapping out your clear aligner set for the next one in the series. The important thing to remember is that this discomfort means your treatment is working. We want your teeth to move into proper alignment, but we also understand that you don’t want to be uncomfortable throughout treatment. Fortunately, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever as well as a rinse with warm saltwater to reduce soreness and feel better.

Should I get traditional braces or Invisalign?

When scheduling your consultation with Dr. Jones, you can expect her to provide a recommended method of treatment for you. While it may be a possibility that you can choose between braces or Invisalign, your case may be better suited for one or the other. Ultimately, a formal evaluation of your smile will need to be performed before you learn which type of orthodontics you should receive. While Invisalign is ideal for working professionals and/or self-conscious teens and adults, you may have a more complex orthodontic problem that can only be fixed using traditional braces.

No matter which method you move forward with, you can trust that Dr. Jones and her team will be with you every step of the way.

How much does it cost to receive braces?

The truth is there is no set amount when it comes to receiving braces. Many factors must be considered when formulating a cost estimate for your orthodontic treatment. From the type of braces you receive (i.e., traditional metal braces, Invisalign, clear braces, self-ligating braces, etc.) to how long you will undergo treatment, our team will work closely with you to better understand how much you can expect to pay for your new smile.

Not to mention, we will review your dental insurance policy (if you have one) to determine your level of coverage as well as provide in-house financing to help break up the cost of treatment into more manageable payments.

Are braces worth it?

Absolutely! Braces are one of the safest, most effective ways to improve your smile. Poorly aligned bites, overcrowding, and gapped teeth can wreak havoc on your smile if left untreated. Not only will they increase your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, but these problems can also lead to excessive wear and tear on your teeth (i.e., crossbite) and chronic jaw pain that can turn into temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Patients who receive braces, no matter the type, are given the opportunity to enjoy healthier smiles for a lifetime.