Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing and treating issues with your bite (or the way your teeth fit together). An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed two years of post-graduate training to specialize in this field. But there are dentists who have received training in orthodontic care to provide patients with different types of braces. Invisalign is one example.
What Is Invisalign?
General dentists receive specialized training to provide orthodontics with Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic system designed to position your teeth with a series of clear aligners. Depending on which Invisalign system your doctor uses, every one or two weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners to gradually shift your teeth to a new position.
It will treat a variety of imperfections in teeth, including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Crowding
- Gaps
- Open bite
What Training Do Dentists Receive to Provide Orthodontics?
Whether you choose a general dentist or an orthodontist, both professionals need specialized training to provide Invisalign. Live and online courses are available.
Your dentist’s training will help determine if your case requires buttons or attachments on teeth to help the aligners grip the teeth and move them with precision.
Finding Your Invisalign Provider
Regardless of whether you choose an orthodontist or a general dentist, look for an experienced provider. Invisalign uses tiers to help you understand the level of experience a doctor has with this treatment. The tiers range through bronze, silver, gold, platinum, diamond, and VIP. The higher the tier, the more experience a provider has with Invisalign technology. As a dentist acquires more experience, it increases the variety of cases he or she treats, e.g., crossbite, open bite, or crowding.
If you’re comfortable with your general dentist and he or she offers orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, you can visit the Invisalign website and check the tier your dentist has achieved. You can also ask your dentist to show you before-and-after photos of patient cases. Also, ask how many cases like yours he or she has completed from start to finish. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your smile goals and treatment options.
This post is sponsored by Dr. Rekha Reddy, an Invisalign Platinum provider in Dallas, TX.
