On Becoming An Orthodontist

Teeth are arguably one of our most essential tools. They are not only used to eat and chew with, but are used to cut and tear other things as well. In a number of ways, we are dependent on a working set of teeth in ways beyond just being to eat. They are the cornerstone of the smile, something used to demonstrate how we feel, especially our approval. It is little wonder that dentists and orthodontists, such as the professionals at South OC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, see so much business; one inspects and cleans our teeth, and the other repairs them. Through both of their offices, we are able to fully demonstrate our humanity. Know more about them here.

Becoming an Orthodontist

Becoming a dentist is pretty simple; one studies, graduates, and applies for the position or opens up their own business. An orthodontist, however, has a slightly trickier path. As a dentist they have to study and graduate, and also obtain their own license. However, whereas a dentist's training is limited to diagnosing and dealing with the most basic of problems, an orthodontist needs to deal with fixing the more difficult problems, in addition to building the frameworks needed to fix those problems. They require more in-depth training in order to create dentures and braces, as well as more complex solutions. Their training also includes fully explaining how they intend to solve the problem in a way that any patient would understand the situation.

Essentially, once they complete their training, orthodontists are able to:

1)Diagnose the dental problem someone is having
2)Figure out how to solve the problem
3)Present that solution to a patient so that he fully understands, and
4)Implement that solution with minimal discomfort to the patient.

The Difference Between Dentists and Orthodontists

Orthodontists need to remember that they are not simply dentists with more training. A dentist is basically a doctor with a very specialized skill; they deal with not just basic diagnoses and cleaning teeth, but they also deal with determining the best strategy to deal with a patient's problem, and that solution may not always require some of sort of brace or denture. Alternatively, orthodontists must not only be able to translate the dentist's recommendation, but have to be able to craft the brace or denture required to solve the problem. The difference between the general dentist and the orthodontist is defined as the difference between the theoretical and the practical.

Although the two definitely share a number of classes, the two professions must work hand-in-hand in order to solve a number of problems that may look simple but require a human touch. By combining their two backgrounds and pooling their knowledge and experience, the patient can be well looked after, and that's ultimately the best solution for all.