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Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an orthodontist and a dentist? Just like you trust your heart to a cardiologist, your skin to a dermatologist, or your knees to an orthopedist, you should trust the alignment of your teeth to an orthodontist. Many people, however, are unaware of the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. And here at Castilla Orthodontics in Salem, OR, we know a thing or two about this subject. And with the help of Dr. Ana Castilla, we have easily come up with what the difference is between orthodontists and dentists.
Dentists are doctors that have completed med school and then do post graduate training in dentistry, specializing in problems associated with teeth, gums, tooth decay, repair of damaged teeth, and extraction of teeth. An orthodontist is first a dentist and then completes an additional 2-year residency program in orthodontics, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of teeth alignment and facial irregularities. Just like a cardiologist is a doctor that specializes in the heart, an orthodontist is a dentist that specializes in the movement of teeth. Less than 10% of dentists are orthodontists!
Both dentists and orthodontists can complete Invisalign’s training program and be certified to provide Invisalign in Salem, OR. While dentists technically do have the knowledge to provide a comprehensive treatment plan, they do not have the additional training and experience that orthodontists have – one is a specialist in the area of teeth movement, another does more general dentistry work, like Dr. Ana Castilla. For this reason, many prefer to go to an orthodontist for an Invisalign or Invisalign Teen system because they are specifically trained in the procedures of this tooth-straightening product. They have had far more experience with teeth movement making them more qualified to help.
Dr. Ana Castilla is an experienced orthodontic professional and an Invisalign Preferred Provider, meaning that she has been properly certified and has had much experience in handling Invisalign. Castilla Orthodontics in Salem, OR specializes in Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments and can offer you many benefits that a dentist cannot. Call us today at 503-399-0721 to find out more about Invisalign or other teeth straightening options!
