When you’re looking to get braces for your child, you may wonder what a “prosthodontist vs. orthodontist” is and what they can offer you and your child. Both professionals have the goal of getting their patients the best possible treatment. The difference between a prosthodontist and an orthodontist lies in where they obtain their education and training. Prosthodontists specialize in replacing teeth with dental appliances, such as crowns or veneers, as well as fixing tooth structure problems with surgery or other methods. Orthodontists are dental specialists who work with patients to fix teeth that are not aligned properly. Having an understanding of the differences between these two professionals will help you determine which one is best for your situation.
What is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in restorative dentistry—dentistry that replaces teeth. A prosthodontist may also be referred to as a periodontist. This specialist must complete a three-year period of dental residency training after dental school. During this time, the prosthodontist focuses on the medical and surgical aspects of dentistry. In fact, the prosthodontist is not limited to dentistry at all; he or she can also opt to focus on maxillofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial pathology, and cosmetic dentistry. After completing residency, the prosthodontist works closely with the prosthodontist’s partner in the dental practice, the prosthodontist’s general dentist. Though prosthodontists work closely with dentists, prosthodontists are not dentists. Therefore, they are not subject to the same state board of dental inspections or board of osteopathic board examinations.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist in the field of dentofacial orthopedics, which is the correction of dental and facial deformities. This may be accomplished through braces, headgear, or other appliances. An orthodontist has completed a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited school and then completes a two- to four-year residency. After residency, an orthodontist is licensed and registered to practice dentofacial orthopedics in their state. Orthodontists typically have a specialty area of expertise, such as the treatment of children with syndromes or adults who have difficulty with the alignment of their teeth. Orthodontists will assess your child’s specific needs and treat the issue with braces and/or other appliances.
Differences Between a Prosthodontist and Orthodontist
The Prosthodontist – Is a Specialist in Treating Specific Oral Conditions That Affect Teeth, While the Orthodontist Treats Oral Health Issues That Affect Entire Mouth – Is a Doctor of Dentistry, While Orthodontists Are Doctors of Osteopathy – Treats Oral Conditions with Implants, While the Prosthodontist Treats Oral Conditions with Crowns and Veneers – Treats Patients of All Ages, While Orthodontists Do Not Treat Children Younger Than 16 Years Old – Treats Complex Conditions, While the Orthodontist Treats Simple Conditions – Requires Advanced Technology, While the Orthodontist Does Not – Requires Advanced Skills, While the Orthodontist Requires Basic Skills – Is More Expensive, While Orthodontics May Be Less Expensive
Summary
When it comes to the pros and cons of a prosthodontist vs. an orthodontist, here are some things you should know. A prosthodontist specializes in dental restorations, such as crowns and veneers. A prosthodontist may also perform surgery to correct tooth structure problems, or cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. While prosthodontists perform dental procedures, they do not prescribe drugs. A prosthodontist must complete a three-year period of dental residency after dental school and then pass board exams to be licensed to practice medicine in the state he or she lives in. A prosthodontist can be a good choice if you want to improve your smile and feel confident in your appearance but don’t have the money to get braces on your own. An orthodontist is a specialist in the field of dentofacial orthopedics, which is the correction of dental and facial deformities. An orthodontist has completed a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited school and then completes a two- to four-year residency program. After residency, an orthodontist is licensed and registered to practice dentofacial orthopedics in his or her state. An orthodontist can treat a wide range of conditions, from mild to severe crowding to an underbite. During treatment, an orthodontist may recommend braces to help with teeth alignment. To learn about an attraction you can visit near our office please click here.