Caring for your long-term oral health is a team effort. You’re responsible for your at-home oral care, including regular brushing and flossing. It’s also your job to visit your Mississauga dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.
At the clinic, a team of dental professionals oversee your oral health, including the hygienists (who clean your teeth) and the general dentist (who monitors your overall health and administers treatments).
For those with crooked or misaligned teeth, however, there is another dental professional responsible for caring for your mouth. That person is an orthodontist. Orthodontists improve the appearance, functionality, and health of your mouth by correcting misaligned teeth and bite issues.
What is a general dentist?
General dentists care for your overall oral health. They’re trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health conditions affecting your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth. Additionally, dentists help maintain your oral health through prevention and education.
A general dentist is the dental equivalent of a general practitioner. Their skill set is varied and versatile, allowing them to address a variety of dental concerns.
For serious, complex, or specific health conditions, your Mississauga dentist will refer you to a specialist. Although your dentist can likely identify the issue, treatment falls to the dental specialist who has completed additional, specific studies in that area.
Responsibilities:
- Examine teeth, gums, and jaw (including reviewing X-rays)
- Diagnose oral health issues
- Promote oral health and oral hygiene
- Fill cavities, repair cracked teeth, and extract teeth
- Install crowns, implants, veneers, etc.
- Treat infections, gingivitis, and gum disease
- Create treatment plans
What is an orthodontist?
Every dentist must complete four years of dental school (after completing an undergraduate program). However, dental specialists also attend a specialized program for another two to three years.
An orthodontist is an example of a dental specialist. During their additional two-plus years of study, orthodontists receive in-depth training focusing on the movement of teeth, jawbones, facial bones, and soft tissue.
This means that orthodontists possess a deeper understanding of your mouth’s growth and development. They’re better able to diagnose and treat a range of orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth, bad bites, and poorly aligned jaws.
Furthermore, a trained orthodontist can recommend and deliver customized orthodontic treatment options for children and adults.
An orthodontist’s sole job is to focus on the appearance and functionality of your teeth and bite. They are extremely knowledgeable about orthodontic issues and the latest treatment options like Invisalign.
Straightening teeth and aligning bites are complex processes that are best left to dental development experts.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor teeth, bite, and jaw development in children
- Diagnose and treat misaligned teeth and jaws
- Perform teeth-straightening surgery
- Create treatment plans involving Invisalign, braces, and retainers
- Install orthodontic appliances like braces, palatal expanders, etc.
Can general dentists do Invisalign (and other orthodontic treatments)?
Some general dentists do offer Invisalign at dental clinics in Mississauga. General dentists can take a basic course from Invisalign to become Invisalign providers. The course expands their knowledge of orthodontic therapy for malocclusions (misaligned teeth or jaws) so they can treat patients with Invisalign.
However, as we mentioned, orthodontics is a complex field with many moving parts. Consequently, you should have a true expert at the helm. The knowledge and expertise of trained orthodontists far exceeds that of a general dentist, even if that general dentist has completed the Invisalign course.
Remember, orthodontists undergo at least two years of additional study and hands-on experience. This makes orthodontists far superior at creating custom treatment plans, anticipating potential setbacks, and treating complications.
4 Reasons to See an Orthodontist in Mississauga for Orthodontic Treatments
- Orthodontists undergo additional specialist training. This allows them to expertly diagnose and create treatment plans for an extensive range of orthodontic issues. They can also better respond to any complications that may arise during your treatment.
- Since most orthodontists work exclusively in the field of orthodontics, their experience is far greater than the average general dentist. Thus, orthodontists are better prepared and more confident in tackling any and all orthodontic problems. Also, they have honed their skills over hundreds and hundreds of patients.
- Orthodontists are trained in the full range of orthodontic treatment options. Conversely, a general dentist who has taken the Invisalign course can only offer Invisalign. Although Invisalign is a fantastic option for many patients, it is not suitable for more complex cases of malocclusion.
- Lastly, there is no limit to what a specialist orthodontist can treat. An experienced orthodontist can diagnose and treat complex problems with confidence. They can devise personalized treatment plans that address your specific situation, no matter how complicated it is.
Orthodontic Treatments Offered at Bristol Dental Clinic
- Diagnosis: Using dental imaging (X-rays), clinic examinations, and digital scans/tooth impressions, our orthodontic team assesses and diagnoses teeth and jaw misalignment.
- Treatment planning: We develop a personalized treatment plancustomized to your diagnosis, goals, and needs.
- Braces: Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to move teeth gradually into proper alignment. Brackets are bonded to your teeth, and the interconnecting bands apply subtle pressure to each tooth. Braces are an effective method for correcting a wide range of dental problems, including more complex bites.
- Invisalign: Invisalign involves custom-made, clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth. Treatment consists of a series of aligners, each slightly different from the last. Over time, teeth are gradually moved into proper alignment. Many patients prefer Invisalign because they are extremely discreet and far less noticeable than traditional braces. They are also removable, making brushing and eating easier.
- Functional appliances: These are used to correct jaw discrepancies and help with proper jaw growth in kids and teens. Functional appliances are removable or fixed, the most common being separate lower and upper parts. These parts interlock, advancing the lower jaw. Other functional appliances consist of a singular piece.
- Retainers: Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you’ll be given a retainer. Retainers help maintain your teeth’s new position by preventing them from shifting out of alignment.
Bristol Dental Clinic: Your Orthodontist in Mississauga
Bristol Dental Clinic is a family, cosmetic, and specialty dental clinic in Mississauga. We have a talented and experienced orthodontic team that provides comprehensive orthodontic treatments for patients with malocclusion.
Our treatments enhance the appearance of your smile while improving the functionality and long-term health of your mouth. Through Invisalign, traditional braces, or other functional appliances, we effectively treat dental irregularities like misaligned teeth, overbites, and crowding issues.
To book an appointment with an orthodontist in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental Clinic at 866-673-2109 or contact us here.
