Periodontist vs Orthodontist: What Are the Differences?
Every orthodontist is a dentist; however not every dentist is an orthodontist. In fact, while there are more than 200,000 active dentists in the U.S.A, there are only 11,000 active orthodontists.
Dentists can specialize in different fields, which would allow them to be classified as orthodontists, pedodontists, periodontists, endodontists, oral pathologists, and prosthodontists, depending on their specializations.
So what does an orthodontist really do? What are the differences between a periodontist vs orthodontist?
This article explores exactly what you need to know. Let’s dive right in!
What Is a Periodontist?
Gum problems? Let a periodontist guide you.
A periodontist is a dental expert who specializes in treating gums and gum diseases. This includes treating the soft gum tissue. If you have gum problems caused by plaque, tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis, or periodontal disease, it’s time to see the best periodontist in your area to get yourself treated.
They can also help in placing dental implants, interpreting oral x-rays, pulling out teeth whenever necessary, conducting bone and tissue grafts, and administering anesthetics to your gums.
You should see a periodontist if you have swollen gums, bleeding gums, tender gums, persistent bad breath, sensitive teeth, difficulty in chewing your food, shifting teeth, receding gums, or a bad taste that won’t go away.
What Is an Orthodontist?
Orthodontists are regarded as tooth and jaw alignment experts. Their job is to detect the cause of abnormally growing teeth, help straighten them out and, in turn, make your life more comfortable.
Their roles include finding alignment problems, finding dental facial problems through imaging and testing, making adjustments and fitting dental braces, and monitoring their progress over time. An orthodontist can help create a treatment plan to alter your jaw alignment whether to give you a better bite, or just a better smile.
You should see an orthodontist if you have pain in your teeth, you have sleep apnea, you struggle to speak or articulate your words, you don’t like your smile, you cannot chew properly, you do not like that your teeth are crooked, and other similar alignment issues. Additionally, if you hear a sound when you move your jaw, you could go to Premier Orthodontics clinics to get yourself examined.
The Difference
So the difference? A periodontist specializes in treating issues related to the gums, whereas an orthodontist specializes in treating jaw and tooth alignment problems.
Periodontist vs Orthodontist: Which One Is Right for You?
Still, wondering if you should see a periodontist vs orthodontist? We’ll make it simple.
If you are experiencing any gum-related distress like gum recession, bleeding, soreness, or discoloration, it’s time to see a periodontist. However, if you feel like you’re not happy with the alignment of your teeth or you find that you can’t close your mouth properly because of your teeth, it’s time to see an orthodontist.
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