When considering braces for teeth straightening, many people wonder if their regular dentist can provide this treatment or if they need to see a specialist, such as an orthodontist. While your regular Perth dental clinic can address many oral health issues, orthodontic treatments like braces require a specific skill set. In this blog, we’ll explain the different options available for braces and whether your regular dentist can help you achieve a straighter smile.
What Is the Role of a Regular Dentist?
A regular dentist handles a broad range of general dental care, including:
- Routine check-ups and cleanings
- Fillings, crowns, and other restorative treatments
- Preventive care to avoid cavities and gum disease
- Diagnosis and treatment of oral health issues such as cavities, tooth sensitivity, and infections
However, when it comes to more specialised treatments, like braces or aligners, the process typically requires the expertise of a Perth dental clinic that offers orthodontic services. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know:
Can Your Regular Dentist Provide Braces?
In some cases, your regular dentist may offer basic orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces or clear aligners. However, many general dentists don’t have the specialised training that orthodontists receive. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional education and training to specialise in teeth alignment and jaw development. While some Perth dental clinics may offer both general dental and orthodontic services, others may refer you to a dedicated orthodontist for more advanced treatment.
Here are the options your regular dentist may be able to offer:
1. Traditional Braces (Metal Braces):
Many general dentists are capable of offering traditional metal braces, especially if the case is not too complex. These braces consist of metal brackets attached to the teeth and connected by wires. They are highly effective for treating a wide range of alignment issues, including overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth.
If your dentist provides braces, they will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan, but the installation and adjustments might be managed by an orthodontist at a specialist clinic.
2. Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign):
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are another option for straightening teeth without traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are a popular choice for patients seeking a more discreet orthodontic solution. Many Perth dental clinics offer clear aligners as a less noticeable option compared to traditional braces. If you have mild to moderate misalignment, your dentist may be able to design an Invisalign treatment plan for you.
Your regular dentist may conduct the scans and create the aligners, but if your case requires complex movement, a referral to an orthodontist may be necessary.
When Should You See an Orthodontist for Braces?
In more complex cases, such as severe alignment or bite problems, an orthodontist is the best person to consult. Orthodontists have advanced training in:
- Correcting bite issues (e.g., underbite, overbite, crossbite)
- Severe crowding or gaps between teeth
- Jaw alignment and structural issues
While a regular dentist may be able to provide basic orthodontic treatments, an orthodontist will offer a more comprehensive treatment plan for these advanced cases. If your dentist believes your case is beyond their scope of practice, they will refer you to an orthodontist who specialises in complex alignment issues.
What’s the Process for Getting Braces?
- Consultation: Your first visit to a Perth dental clinic for braces typically involves a consultation where your dentist or orthodontist will assess your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your goals. They will evaluate the condition of your teeth and recommend the best treatment options.
- Treatment Planning: Once you’ve decided on the type of braces (traditional braces or clear aligners), your dentist or orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan, including the estimated duration of the treatment.
- Fitting Braces: For traditional braces, this involves attaching metal brackets to the teeth and threading wires through them. For clear aligners, impressions or digital scans will be taken to create the aligners.
- Ongoing Adjustments: Traditional braces require regular visits to your dentist or orthodontist for adjustments and monitoring of your progress. Clear aligners require you to switch to a new set of aligners every couple of weeks.
- Retention: After your braces treatment is complete, your dentist or orthodontist will provide a retainer to ensure that your teeth stay in their new positions.
Why Choose a Perth Dental Clinic for Braces?
When choosing a Perth dental clinic for braces, it’s important to consider several factors:
- Experience and qualifications of the dentist or orthodontist
- Range of treatment options, including metal braces, clear aligners, and advanced treatments
- Personalised care to ensure the best treatment plan for your needs
- Patient comfort during treatment and follow-up care
At Medivance Dental, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services, including orthodontic treatment, so you can achieve a straighter smile without needing to go to a separate specialist. Whether you're considering traditional braces or clear aligners, we are here to provide you with the care and guidance you need.
Conclusion:
While your regular Perth dental clinic may offer braces or clear aligners, more complex cases often require the expertise of a specialist orthodontist. It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. At Medivance Dental, we offer both general dental and orthodontic care, making it easy for you to get the treatment you need in one convenient location. Visit our Contact Us page to schedule your consultation and start your journey to a straighter, healthier smile!
FAQs
- Can a general dentist provide braces?
Yes, many general dentists offer orthodontic options like clear aligners or simple braces, but for complex cases, they may refer you to an orthodontist. - What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
A dentist covers general oral health, while an orthodontist has extra training in correcting teeth and jaw alignment with braces or other appliances. - Are Invisalign or clear aligners available through a regular dentist?
Yes, most Perth dental clinics offer Invisalign or similar aligners for mild to moderate alignment issues. Your dentist will assess your suitability. - Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
Not at all. You can book directly with an orthodontist, though many people are referred by their dentist after an initial assessment. - Is it more affordable to get braces through my general dentist?
It can be, especially for simpler cases. However, for long-term value and complex corrections, seeing an orthodontic specialist might be more cost-effective.
