We know you want the best for your family and that includes healthy teeth and a beautiful smile! If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for a member of your family, you may be wondering if your family dentist can tackle this or if you should see an orthodontist. While many people believe the two are interchangeable, there are quite a few reasons you should trust your family’s smiles to an experienced orthodontist. Choosing an orthodontic treatment is a big decision, and you should know what these differences are before embarking on your own journey to an improved smile.
Here at Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide expert orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Charlottesville, Crozet, and the surrounding communities. Our doctors are highly trained and experienced, offering families exceptional care and results. Understanding how they differ from a general dentist will help you make an informed decision about which option is best for you and your family. Keep reading below to learn more!
Education, training, and experience
While dentists and orthodontists both begin their careers in dental school, their paths diverge after graduation. Orthodontists must complete 2-3 additional years of specialized learning and training in how to identify and treat misalignment of the teeth and jaws. During this time, they’ll also:
- study the growth and maturation of a child’s mouth
- learn biomechanical techniques to successfully move the teeth with braces and aligners
- develop their diagnostic skills
- work on numerous case studies
As you can see, quite a lot of work goes into becoming an orthodontist! Although there are exceptions to every rule, most general dentists will not possess this level of orthodontic training and experience.
That being said, all dentists will receive some extremely basic orthodontic training in dental school. That means there are some general dentists out there who are capable of providing quality orthodontic care to their patients. These dentists will often sharpen their skills with continuing education seminars and workshops. The downside to this, of course, is that workshops and seminars are unable to cover such extensive material in any real depth. Dentists with orthodontic experience will still lack the level of education and training a dedicated orthodontist has.
If you have a family dentist who offers orthodontic care, it’s understandable that you’d consider them as an option. After all, you’re already comfortable with them and their team and most people prefer the familiar over the unknown. But before you move forward with orthodontic treatment by your dentist, you should consider the benefits of choosing an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Hamer or Dr. Glassick. This includes:
- a wider variety of treatment options, like metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligner systems like Invisalign
- a customized treatment plan created just for you based on your unique needs, lifestyle, and desired results
- more efficient treatments and visits, since orthodontics is their main focus
- the best possible outcome for your smile, especially if your case is complex or severe
At Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics, we keep our focus on orthodontic care and treatment. Our doctors perform teeth straightening procedures day in and day out and work tirelessly to perfect their technique. Our entire team keeps up to date on the latest in industry practice by regularly attending continuing education courses, whether in-person or online (which is much more common these days!) All four of our offices are equipped with the most current orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide patients with high-quality care and exceptional results!
Specialized care produces the best smiles
As the patient, it’s your right to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with. But when it comes to the way your smile looks, feels, and functions, we think it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move the teeth. We happen to have two! While some dentists can provide orthodontic services, Dr. Hamer and Dr. Glassick have over 30 years of experience between them creating beautifully aligned smiles.
Orthodontic care can also help avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things that a general dentist may overlook, and will only recommend the appropriate treatment plan for you. This can reduce treatment times and lessen the chance of any complications. The treatment plan itself will be time-effective, affordable, and built around your unique smile.
Trust your family’s smiles to Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics
When it comes to a rewarding orthodontic experience in Charlottesville and the surrounding areas, you’re in the right place! Our talented team offers the highest-quality care, the latest in treatment, and the most innovative technology. We provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! And because our only specialty is orthodontics, we’re able to give our patients nothing but the best.
Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier smile? We’d love to meet you! When you schedule a FREE consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by one of our doctors. Following this exam, we’ll provide you with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Don’t worry—this is a no-pressure visit! Even if you decide not to pursue orthodontic treatment immediately, we’ll be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have in order to help you make an informed decision.
Your family deserves a lifetime of healthy smiles! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE in-office or virtual exam!