At Clauss Orthodontics, we know you want the best for your family and that includes a beautiful smile. Healthy teeth play a key role in oral and overall health – and you should never underestimate the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile! Many people consider visiting their general dentist for an orthodontic evaluation, wondering if it’s necessary to see an actual orthodontist. While many believe these are interchangeable, we’re here to tell you why you should trust an experienced orthodontist with your family’s smiles.
Dr. Clauss and his expert team are proud to provide high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Watertown, Woodbury, and the surrounding areas. Our team is highly trained and experienced, giving families like yours access to exceptional care and superior smiles. Understanding the differences between a general dentist and an orthodontist 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, they go their separate ways after graduation. Orthodontists must complete two to three years of additional specialized learning and training in how to identify and treat misalignment of the teeth and jaws. During this time, they 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, there’s quite a lot that goes into becoming an orthodontist! And while 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 basic orthodontic training in dental school and are capable of providing basic orthodontic care to their patients. These dentists will often sharpen their skills with continuing education seminars and workshops.
The downside to this is that workshops and seminars are unable to cover such extensive material in the same depth as the years of specialized training of an orthodontist. Dentists with orthodontic experience will still lack the level of education and training a dedicated orthodontist has.
More treatment options for your smile
If you have a family dentist who offers orthodontic care, we understand 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 from your dentist, you should consider the benefits of choosing an experienced orthodontist. These include:
- a wider variety of treatment options, like metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligner systems like Invisalign
- more efficient treatments and visits, since orthodontics is their main focus
- a customized treatment plan created just for you based on your unique needs, lifestyle, and desired results
- the best possible outcome for your smile, especially if your case is complex or severe
At Clauss Orthodontics, our only focus is on orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Clauss performs teeth straightening procedures daily and is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest treatments and technology. Our entire team regularly attends continuing education courses, whether in-person or online (which are much more common these days!) to continue providing the best care available. Our Watertown and Woodbury offices are each equipped with the latest orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide patients with high-quality care and exceptional results!
Specialized care produces the best smiles
As the patient, you should choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with. But when it comes to the way your smile looks and feels, we think it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move your teeth. At Clauss Orthodontics, we have an expert doctor and a friendly, welcoming environment!
While some dentists can provide orthodontic services, Dr. Clauss has the education and experience necessary to create beautifully aligned, healthy smiles. Orthodontic care with an experienced 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 recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your unique set of needs. 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 Clauss Orthodontics
When you trust an experienced orthodontist with your family’s smiles, you’ll know that your smile is in good hands. Our talented team offers the highest quality care, the latest treatments, and the most innovative technology. Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! And since our only focus 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 your initial consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by Dr. Clauss. Following your exam, we’ll provide you with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
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 the best choice for your smile.
Give your family a lifetime of healthy smiles! Contact our team today to schedule your free in-office or virtual exam!