The Benefits of Going to an Orthodontist for Invisalign
If you’ve thought about starting orthodontic treatment, either for yourself or your kids, you’ve likely heard about the Invisalign Clear Aligner System. This innovative treatment option offers superior convenience and comfort and a clean-looking smile during the course of your treatment.
When you decide to start treatment, you may be thinking about getting it through your dentist. While your dentist may offer Invisalign, you’re far better off choosing to get treatment from an orthodontist.
Benefits of Invisalign
When you get assessed for orthodontic treatment, you may find you qualify for Invisalign. This treatment option is just as effective for straightening teeth and fixing jaw issues as braces in many cases.
Invisalign aligners are totally clear, giving you a clean-looking smile the entire time your teeth are being straightened. Plus, the aligners fit neatly over the surface of your teeth and have a smooth texture, providing better comfort compared to braces. You can also remove aligners for meals or activities that put your teeth at risk, such as contact sports.
Because this option for orthodontic treatment is relatively minimal and involves less bulky materials, many people assume it’s easier to prescribe and supervise. However, it’s still very important to get your clear aligners from a licensed orthodontist.
Orthodontists Are Focused on Straightening Teeth
Some dentists will offer their patients orthodontic treatment with Invisalign in addition to their regular treatment offerings, like cleaning teeth and filling cavities. While dental procedures and orthodontic adjustments are related and affect one another, they are very different specialties.
A dentist who also offers Invisalign isn’t going to specialize in orthodontic treatment like a trained and licensed orthodontist. Because of this, they simply aren’t going to stay as up-to-date on the best practices and latest developments in orthodontics. Orthodontists only work on correcting teeth alignment and jaw issues, allowing them to continually refine their skills and stay up to speed with important best practices.
Orthodontists Have More Training
Many dentists refer their patients to orthodontists rather than simply providing orthodontic treatment, and with good reason. Orthodontists have to finish an additional two to three years of schooling and a residency after finishing dental school. Dentists don’t have this additional training.
While you may think that no one would try to offer orthodontic treatment without being qualified, it’s unfortunately common. For instance, startup companies are offering “mail-order” braces that you order online. This process sounds convenient, but it relies on you to provide images and impressions, and you never even get an x-ray. The fact of the matter is you need a licensed orthodontist to properly supervise your treatment with Invisalign to get long-lasting results you’ll love.
To learn more about our qualifications and to see if Invisalign is right for you, contact Crescent Orthodontic Specialists today and schedule your free consultation.