Why is it important to have an Orthodontic Specialist providing your care?

In this day and age, orthodontic treatment is being offered by more and more dentists that are not recognized as specialists in orthodontics. Unfortunately, the public is not being adequately informed in many cases that their dentist is not the appropriate person to be providing orthodontic treatment.

A true orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an American Dental Association accredited graduate program in the specialty of orthodontics. These graduate programs are typically 2-3 years in duration.  Beyond the basic orthodontic specialty degree, a board certified orthodontist has also completed a voluntary certification process with the American Board of Orthodontics. Involvement in the certification process is a demonstration of the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency & excellence. It is also important to point out that only orthodontists are eligible for admission into the American Association of Orthodontists (www.braces.org) and the aforementioned board certification.

While a general dentist may provide orthodontic care for a handful of patients each year, an orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of new patients each year. It is very important for the public to be informed that there is a tremendous difference in the training & abilities between an orthodontic specialist and a general dentist offering orthodontic services.

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