Posted by WILLIAMS & HAMMAN ORTHODONTICS Mar 29, 2021
At Williams & Hamman Orthodontics, we know you want the best for your family. That likely includes healthy teeth and a confident smile! If you’ve considered an orthodontic evaluation for you or your child, you may be wondering about the differences between your general dentist and an experienced orthodontist. There are a few key reasons why you should trust your family’s smiles to an experienced orthodontist.
There are some big differences between the two professions that are not common knowledge. Dr. Williams, Dr. Hamman, and their expert team are proud to provide high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Southaven and Olive Branch. Keep reading below to learn more!
While dentists and orthodontists both begin their careers in dental school, their paths diverge after graduation. General dentists will go on to practice, while orthodontists must complete two to three additional years of specialized training in an accredited orthodontic residency. During this residency, orthodontists-in-training learn how to identify and treat misalignment of the teeth and jaws. During this time, they also:
As you can see, there’s quite a lot that goes into becoming an orthodontist! General dentists, while they are some of our favorite people and provide excellent dental and oral health care, do not possess the same level of orthodontic training and experience.
That being said, all dentists will receive some very basic level of orthodontic training in dental school. Some dentists will try to learn some basic orthodontics with continuing education seminars and workshops. The downside to this, of course, is that workshops and seminars are taught by other dentists that have not gone through an orthodontic residency program.
They are also unable to cover such extensive material in the same depth as the years of specialized training of an orthodontist, including consistent hands-on experience and treating full cases from start to finish. Dentists with orthodontic experience will still lack the level of education and training an 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 it’s human nature to prefer the familiar over the unknown. But before you move forward with orthodontic treatment with your dentist, you should consider the benefits of choosing an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Williams and Dr. Hamman. These include:
The best possible outcome for your smile, especially if your case is complex or severe!
At Williams & Hamman Orthodontics, our sole focus is on orthodontic care and treatment. Our doctors perform teeth straightening procedures daily and are constantly working to perfect their technique. Our entire team stays up to date on the latest in industry practices by regularly attending continuing education courses, whether in-person or online (much more common these days!). Our Southaven and Olive Branch offices are equipped with the latest orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide patients with state-of-the-art care and exceptional results!
As the patient, you have the right to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with. But when it comes to the way your smile looks and feels, we believe it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move your teeth! While some dentists can provide orthodontic services, Dr. Williams and Dr. Hamman have years of experience in creating beautiful, healthy smiles.
Orthodontic care with a trained orthodontist can also help you avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things that a general dentist may overlook and will create a treatment plan that is completely customized just 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.
If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a member of your family, our team is here for you! We’re proud to offer high-quality care and the latest treatments to patients of all ages. We provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! When you trust your family’s smiles to an experienced orthodontist, you can expect stunning results that last.
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 expert doctors. Following this exam, we’ll provide you with a diagnosis and customized treatment plan. Rest assured, this is a no-pressure visit! Even if you decide not to start your orthodontic treatment right away, our team will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have to help you make an informed decision.
Your family deserves a lifetime of confident smiles! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE in-office or virtual exam!