How do I know that a doctor is actually an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends check-ups with orthodontists from childhood into adulthood. A lot of patients consider orthodontic care to be strictly for children but the truth is that adults make up a large percentage of orthodontic treatment patients. It’s never too late to have an orthodontic checkup. Orthodontic care can help patients no matter their age. If you decide on orthodontic treatment, how do you know you are seeing a qualified orthodontist?
Orthodontists Need a Board Certification
Orthodontists have a different education plan than regular dentists. They have to go through with additional schooling. Dentists do not receive orthodontic training. If a dentist wants to become board-certified, he or she has to complete a graduate program. After, the doctor will have to take an exam. This exam will certify him or her by the American Board of Orthodontics. This is a rigorous and difficult program. In fact, the program has a low pass rate.
Orthodontists have to focus on more than just your teeth, gums or mouth. Orthodontists study how the teeth and jaw align. If you have an underbite, crooked teeth or other dental issues, it can cause you issues later. Orthodontists use braces or aligners to try to correct your bite. Since dentists do not go through training for this, it’s imperative that you see a true orthodontist that has this type of training.
How to Find Out if Your Dentist Has a Board Certification
Sometimes, dentists that offer orthodontics will not be orthodontists. In fact, over 75 percent of those who practice orthodontics do not have a board-certification. If you want to find out if your doctor is an actual orthodontist, then you can visit the American Board of Orthodontics website. Another way that you can find out if your dentist has the proper training in orthodontics is to look at his or her education. An orthodontist has to go through a Master’s Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Make sure that when you need orthodontic care that you see a true orthodontist. Often, your dentist will tell you if he or she is a certified orthodontist.
Orthodontic care is for everyone. No matter your age, orthodontic care is extremely important to correct any issues with your bite. You should only trust your orthodontic care to a board-certified orthodontist. Remember that regular dentists do not undergo the same training as orthodontists. If you want to find out more about orthodontic care, contact an orthodontist, like an orthodontist in San Clemente, CA, right away.
Thank you to the experts at John Redmond Orthodontics for their expertise in orthodontics as part of an overall health plan.
