Many people are surprised to learn just how much additional education an orthodontist completes after dental school. Knowing this distinction can help you make a more informed choice when exploring your smile care options.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is designed to align teeth and resolve bite issues, helping your smile both look its best and function properly. From crowding and gaps to overbites, the goal is to move your teeth into positions that support better long-term health.
Who Is It For?
This type of treatment is appropriate for children, teens, and adults alike. Crooked teeth, spacing problems, or concerns about how your bite comes together are all reasons to explore whether orthodontic care may be right for you or your child.
What Are the Benefits?
- Easier brushing and flossing
- Improved chewing and speech
- Reduced tooth wear over time
- A more confident, healthy smile
How Does It Work?
Picture the way a trellis gradually shapes a growing plant through steady, gentle support. That same principle applies here. Using braces or clear aligners, consistent pressure is applied to shift your teeth into proper alignment over time.
The process begins with a thorough evaluation so the most suitable treatment path can be identified for your situation. Progress is checked at scheduled appointments, with modifications made as needed throughout your care. While timelines differ from person to person, most patients complete treatment within several months to a few years and then transition to wearing a retainer to preserve their outcome.
What Sets an Orthodontist Apart
While general dentists and orthodontists share the same foundational dental degree, their training takes very different directions after graduation. Orthodontists go on to complete a focused residency program lasting two to three years, dedicated entirely to the movement of teeth and the alignment of jaws.
Here are the key differences you should know:
- Education: Orthodontists complete advanced specialty training beyond dental school.
- Focus: General dentists treat overall oral health, while orthodontists specialize in tooth movement and jaw alignment.
- Treatments offered: Orthodontists provide braces, clear aligners, retainers, and corrective jaw solutions.
- Diagnosis expertise: Orthodontists are trained to identify complex bite and alignment issues that general dentists may refer out.
| Factor | General Dentist | Orthodontist |
|---|---|---|
| Base Qualification | Dental degree | Dental degree |
| Additional Training | None required | 2–3 year specialist residency |
| Primary Focus | Overall oral health | Tooth movement and jaw alignment |
| Treatments Offered | Fillings, cleanings, extractions, general care | Braces, clear aligners, retainers, corrective jaw solutions |
| Bite & Alignment Diagnosis | Basic assessment; may refer complex cases | Advanced expertise in complex bite and alignment issues |
| Best For | Routine dental care and maintenance | Straightening teeth and correcting bite problems |
The contributions of general dentists to your overall oral health are genuinely valuable, and that work should never be understated. That said, addressing alignment concerns or bite corrections is where working with a trained specialist leads to meaningfully better outcomes.
Selecting the right provider ensures your care is tailored specifically to your situation. Your smile deserves attention from a professional whose entire practice is built around achieving exactly that.
Orthodontic Treatment at Hilgers Orthodontics
Hilgers Orthodontics is focused on guiding every patient toward a healthier, more confident smile. Orthodontic treatment is the foundation of what we offer, and it reflects the core of our practice’s purpose.
No two smiles are the same, and we approach each patient with that understanding in mind. Whether your priority is fixing a functional concern or enhancing the way your smile looks, our team is ready to support you through that process.
From your first visit to the completion of your treatment, we aim to make every step feel clear and manageable. Personalized attention and straightforward communication are central to the care experience we provide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Treatment
What is the difference between a general dentist and an orthodontist?
Both professionals begin with the same dental degree, but the team at Hilgers Orthodontics went further by completing an additional two to three years of residency training devoted entirely to teeth and jaw alignment. General dentists provide excellent routine care, but for bite correction or smile straightening, the focused expertise of a specialist leads to better outcomes.
Who is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Patients of all ages, including children, teens, and adults, can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Crowded or spaced-out teeth, gaps, and bite problems are all common reasons to seek an evaluation. A thorough initial assessment helps us determine which approach best fits your individual needs and goals.
How long does orthodontic treatment take at Hilgers Orthodontics?
Every patient’s timeline looks a little different based on the complexity of their case, though most active treatment periods range from several months to a couple of years. Once treatment is complete, a retainer is worn to maintain your new smile. Throughout the entire process, we schedule regular visits to track progress and fine-tune your plan as needed.
What are the health benefits of straightening your teeth with braces or aligners?
The advantages of orthodontic treatment go well beyond a better-looking smile. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which supports healthier gums and reduces the risk of decay. Patients also tend to notice improvements in chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and reduced wear on their teeth, all of which contribute to better overall oral health in the long run.
What orthodontic treatments are available at Hilgers Orthodontics?
Our practice offers a full range of options, including braces, clear aligners, retainers, and corrective jaw solutions. After learning about your smile goals, we recommend the treatment that aligns best with your needs and provide guidance and support at every stage of your journey.
Start Your Smile Journey With Us
The team at Hilgers Orthodontics is passionate about delivering specialized care that creates real, lasting change for our patients. We encourage you to take that first step by booking a schedule a consultation and discovering what your smile is capable of.
Reach out to Hilgers Orthodontics today and find out firsthand what expert orthodontic care can do for you. We are excited to be part of your smile transformation.
