Why Choose an Orthodontist
Orthodontists are dentists who complete a 2½ to 3 year residency after dental school to learn about orthodontics (tooth movement), jaw function and alignment, and dentofacial orthopedics (the guidance of facial development). Orthodontics involves much more than straightening crooked teeth. You will receive the best care by choosing an orthodontist for your treatment because of their extra training and extensive experience in the form, function and alignment of your teeth and jaws.
Only dentists who have successfully completed an accredited, advanced specialty program in orthodontics may call themselves Orthodontists.
Family dentists are trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat health problems of the mouth. Yet, some family dentists will present the convenience of one stop shopping, and will offer to straighten your teeth with Invisalign® or even with traditional braces. Some will tout a lower fee. They are not doing you a favor. Family dentists lack the specialized training and knowledge to provide the orthodontic care you, or your child, deserve. Although not all orthodontic treatments are complex, none are “easy.” A general dentist who does not refer a patient to an orthodontist for orthodontic services is not acting in the patient‘s best interest.
We have known quite a few family dentists who provide orthodontia to their patients, but when it was time for their own children, they chose an orthodontist!
From the American Association of Orthodontists
Myth:
Orthodontists are appropriate only for the most challenging and
complex orthodontic cases.
Fact:
Orthodontists recognize the difference between a simple case and a complex one. And when a case is challenging, orthodontists know what to do!
Dr. Ken Lawrence | 8857 Mentor Avenue | Mentor, OH 44060 | 440.974.2040
