As the best orthodontists in Santa Maria, this is a question we hear often from our patients. “Do I really need an orthodontist?” “Can’t my dentist handle this?” Well, these are valid questions for a lot of people. When you visit your dentist twice a year and if your child has crooked teeth or you are considering getting your teeth straightened, where do you go? Let’s try to simplify this for you.

What Does A General Dentist Do?

A general dentist is the person who cares for your overall oral health.

Their main concerns are:

• Cleanings and exams
• Fillings and crowns
• Gum care
• Root canals

Your dentist will take a good look at the health of your teeth and gums. They will treat cavities. They will treat infections. They will also make sure that your mouth is strong and healthy. 

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Of course, all orthodontists go through four years of dental school, just like all dentists. However, after that, our education diverges.

What Makes An Orthodontist Different?

An orthodontist attends additional years of specialized training after dental school. The training to become an orthodontist typically involves two to three years of an accredited orthodontic residency program.

We study and learn about:

• Tooth movement
• Jaw growth
• Bite correction
• Facial balance
• Long-term stability

We see thousands of patients under proper supervision before we practice on our own. We study how our patients grow. We learn how our bodies react to pressure. We learn how our actions today affect our patients tomorrow.

Straightening teeth is not just about how you look. It is about how easily you function. It is about our patients’ health.

Can A General Dentist Do Orthodontics?

Some dentists are only providing minimal orthodontic care. They may only attend a few weekend courses or some other type of training. Some of them have also spent a lot of time in their education. I admire that.

However, that is not the same as having the proper training. Orthodontics is a very involved process. Every person has a different face, a different bite and a different growth pattern.

A person may have a mild spacing issue, which could be very simple. However, there could also be underlying bite problems that are not immediately visible.

A Personal Perspective

When I was first starting out, I was in a rural practice. The senior dentist offered minimal orthodontic services. He was encouraging me to do the same.

I took a few weekend courses. I was able to acquire some useful techniques. I was able to treat some minor cases, but they did not provide any depth for me.

I wanted to know the “why” behind every movement of the teeth. I wanted to be able to treat complex cases with confidence. I wanted to provide my patients with comprehensive care, not just corrections.

I sought a two-year program in orthodontics for the general dentist. This helped improve my techniques even further. 

I had eight years of experience in general practice and I was ready to commit. I entered an accredited orthodontic residency program. This changed everything for me.

For over 30 years, I have practiced orthodontics with complete focus. I still love what I do. I still value the journey that brought me here. That path gave me a unique perspective. I understand both sides. And I can confidently say that specialized training makes a difference.

When Should You See An Orthodontist?

You do not need a referral to schedule a consultation with us. Some parents wait for their dentists to recommend it for their child. But you can contact us directly.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.

Adults can visit anytime. Crowding, bite discomfort, jaw pain or shifting teeth are all reasons to consider an orthodontic visit.

If you are unsure, schedule a consultation with us. We will give you honest guidance. Sometimes we recommend treatment. Sometimes we recommend waiting to see how it develops.

Why Experience Matters

Orthodontic treatment is a procedure that requires months or even years. In this time, we make adjustments. Excessive pressure may result in damage to the root, and inadequate planning may result in imbalances of the face. Incomplete treatments may result in relapses.

We are well trained to perform this. We use computer simulation to plan our treatments. We are aware of growth changes and understand the role of the bite.

Your smile may look wonderful if your teeth are straight; however, your health depends on a stable bite.

How Dentists And Orthodontists Work Together

We don’t compete with general dentists. We work together.

Your dentist will work with us to monitor your cleanings and prevention of cavities during your orthodontic care.

Healthy teeth and a healthy bite go hand-in-hand.

Here’s the way it works: your dentist is responsible for the health of your teeth. Our job is to make sure they’re aligned and balanced.

The Real Difference

Both of our professions call for dedication. Both of our professions call for a strong passion for our patients.

What sets them apart is that, whereas a dentist deals with a variety of issues, an orthodontist spends years of advanced education focusing on only one type of case. What that type is, is bites and tooth alignment.

If you need a cavity filled, see your dentist.

If you need braces, bite work, or guidance for your jaws, see an orthodontist.

That is all there is to it.

What’s Behind Your Smile?

Your smile represents more than a set of straight teeth. It represents confidence, comfort and health.

Your investment in orthodontic care represents precision, years of specialized experience and a treatment plan customized specifically for you, your face and your bite.

If you are in the Central Coast area and are considering whether or not orthodontic care can benefit you or your family, why not set up a consultation? We will discuss your concerns, answer your questions and develop a plan that works for you.

You deserve clarity.
You deserve confidence.
You deserve a smile built on expertise.