What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

Orthodontists are dental professionals that specialize in the treatment of teeth-related malocclusions. The treatment often includes a complex sequence of procedures to correct various root positions for teeth, usually by wearing special appliances. There are different methods used in case they want to straighten crooked or move misaligned teeth laterally, vertically, officially. Orthodontists may also be known as dental surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Dentists focus on providing preventative services such as inspecting your mouth for signs of problems such as cavities and gum disease. They also provide relief from toothache pain with the use of numbing agents and discuss important factors that can affect your oral health including tobacco use and infrequent brushing.

Dentists typically advocate good oral hygiene and give services related to:

- Toothache: Sometimes a toothache is caused by a cavity. Dentists can help relieve pain and extract the infected tooth or place it in a filling.

- Cavities: Dentists evaluate your mouth for signs of cavities and help to prevent their spread by showing you how to brush and floss properly. They also provide fillings when cavities are discovered at an early stage.

- Gum disease: Periodontal disease is gum inflammation that damages the tissue that supports our teeth. It can lead to serious problems like bone loss, abscess, loosened teeth, or even permanent tooth loss if left with an untreated overdue period. Your dentist may recommend treatments such as antibiotics, surgery, or dental scaling (deep cleaning).

Tooth decay

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is the process that destroys tooth structure and tooth tissues from bacterial infection. It happens when bacteria in your mouth consume sugar (sucrose) left on teeth and other substrates such as food particles, plaque bacteria, and saliva. Tooth decay begins with a small lesion called caries (or cavity) that extends into the inner layers of the enamel or dentin. If not treated early enough, it can cause an abscess which will require more advanced intervention such as surgery or extraction.

Root canals

Root canals are one type of treatment for a tooth with a cavity. To perform a root canal, the dentist drills out the decayed tissue inside the tooth and then fills it with a protective material called gutta-percha. They then seal off any open roots that have been exposed to prevent bacteria from entering and infecting them further.

Crowns

Crowns are permanent caps placed over the top of a tooth’s roots. They help keep teeth strong, protect them from dental disease and erosion of unhealthy tissues, and prolong their longevity. A crown might be put on a tooth following root canal therapy where pulp tissue around the root has died or when a tooth has been severely damaged by decay.

Bridges

A bridge is an artificial replacement for one or more missing teeth. It is used to fill a gap in your smile, close the space from an empty tooth position and maintain a healthy jawbone. Dentists use crowns to cover up the hole left by your missing tooth and then anchor them to the teeth on either side of the gap.

After setting everything, they fix braces or dentures resembling natural teeth over it all to hold it together and make sure everything looks right.

Veneers

Veneers are cosmetic appliances that are used to make teeth appear whiter or clearer. A thin layer of porcelain is placed over the front surface of a tooth to change its color and appearance. It can also be used as a temporary solution for teeth to be prepared for crowns or fillings, which would otherwise be too uncomfortable to undergo at the time because of a lack of initial healing time needed.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that makes the teeth appear whiter. The process typically takes place in an office and can be completed in about 30 minutes. However, it requires some time to prepare your mouth before this process begins. This includes trying home remedies such as toothpaste and mouthwash for sensitivity or applying a cream beforehand on the teeth. Once ready for the bleaching, you may be given a mouthpiece that fits over your upper or lower lips with suction cups attached for easy handling while you are doing this process so that it doesn’t leak into your nasal passages and cause dryness and discomfort from the chemical used in this procedure- hydrogen peroxide.

Dentists who specialize in orthodontics can provide services related to aligning teeth.

Misaligned teeth

Misaligned teeth are most often caused by a problem with the bite, the position of teeth, and the jaw. These may be inherited or caused by tooth loss, accidents, or other trauma. One way that your dentist can ensure that your teeth are aligned is through braces or dentures.

Crowded teeth

Crowded teeth are a common result of teeth being larger than the jaw. The most basic treatment for this problem is orthodontics, but some cases may require surgery or extractions to open up space where there isn’t any.

Overbite

When the upper teeth stick out in front of the lower jaw. Overbite can be caused by a lack of space or also by tooth size being larger than the gums. Oral devices such as braces, crowns, and veneers may be required to fix this problem.

Underbite

An underbite is when the lower jaw sticks out in front of the upper jaw. This may be caused by a lack of space or also by tooth size being too large for the gums. Devices such as braces, crowns, and veneers may be required to fix this problem.

Dr. Amit Caplash is a professional dentist in Brampton, Ontario, offering family and cosmetic dentistry. He graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry and has since been providing dental services to people all over Ontario.