Who is a dentist?
A dentist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
The dentist’s medical team also includes dental hygienists, who are responsible for cleaning teeth and providing preventative dental care, and dental assistants, who provide support to the dentist in the delivery of dental care.
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Which services do dentists provide?
Below are some of the major services that dentists provide:
Dental X-rays
Dentists use x-rays to examine their patient’s teeth and jaws. The dental x-rays allow dentists to see problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as cavities, gum disease, and tumors. X-rays also help dentists plan treatment for their patients.
Fill cavities
Dentists provide cavity filling services to their patients in order to restore the function and integrity of their teeth. This procedure involves removing the damaged tissue and bacteria from the tooth and then filling the cavity with a material that will protect the tooth from further damage.
Cavity fillings are an important part of maintaining oral health and can help prevent more serious problems from developing.
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Extract teeth
Dentists also help to extract the teeth. They use a small, handheld mirror to see the inside of the mouth and locate the tooth that needs to be extracted. Then, they use a pair of dental forceps to grip the tooth and pull it out.
Repair cracked teeth
Dentists can repair cracked teeth using various methods, depending on the severity of the crack. For minor cracks, they may simply smooth out the edges of the tooth.
More serious cracks may require bonding, which involves attaching a piece of composite resin to the tooth. In severe cases, the tooth may need to be covered with a dental crown.
Promote oral health and oral hygiene
Dentists play an important role in promoting oral health and hygiene. They work to educate patients on the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums and provide guidance on the best way to do so.
In addition, dentists work to identify and treat oral health problems early, before they become more serious. By taking these steps, dentists can help improve the overall oral health of their patients and the community.
Treat gum disease, such as gingivitis
Dentists are able to treat gum disease, such as gingivitis. This is a common problem that can lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated. By coming in for regular checkups and cleanings, your dentist can help keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease from developing.
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Whiten teeth
Dentists help their patients to whiten their teeth by using a variety of methods. Some of these teeth whitening methods include bleaching, lasers, and chemicals.
Bleaching is the most common method used to whiten teeth. It involves using a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, to remove stains from the teeth. Lasers and chemicals can also be used to whiten teeth. These methods are usually more expensive than bleaching and are not as effective.
Install crowns or veneers
Dentists can also install crowns or veneers to improve the appearance of a patient’s teeth. Crowns are caps that cover the entire tooth, while veneers are thin, custom-made shells that bond to the front of the tooth.
Dentists may recommend crowns or veneers to patients who have damaged teeth, unevenly spaced teeth, or teeth that are discolored or misshapen.
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Who is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
The word “orthodontics” comes from the Greek words “orthos”, meaning “straight”, and “dontos”, meaning “teeth”. Orthodontists use braces, retainers, and other appliances to align teeth and jaws in order to improve a person’s bite and overall dental health.
Which services do orthodontists provide?
Below are some of the common services that orthodontists provide:
Supervise facial growth (jawline and bite) in children
Orthodontists oversee the facial growth of children, making sure that their jaws and teeth are developing properly. This is important in order to ensure that the child will have a healthy bite as they grow older.
Orthodontists use a variety of methods to achieve this, such as braces, retainers, and other appliances. They also work closely with parents to make sure that they are providing the best care possible for their children.
Diagnose and treat misaligned teeth and jaws (malocclusion)
An orthodontist also specializes in diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws (malocclusion). Orthodontists use braces, retainers, and other appliances to correct dental problems and improve the appearance of teeth.
Create a treatment plan that includes braces and retainers
An orthodontist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists use braces, retainers, and other appliances to align teeth and jaws to improve a person’s appearance and bite.
Perform teeth straightening surgery
An Orthodontist can also perform teeth straightening surgery, which is a type of dental procedure that helps to correct the alignment of teeth. This surgery can be used to improve the appearance of teeth, and it can also help to improve the function of teeth.
Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean and maintain, and they are less likely to experience problems such as tooth decay or gum disease.
Dental implants
Orthodontists are specially trained in dental implants, which are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone, and act as a base for artificial teeth. Orthodontists can place dental implants on their patients, and also provide follow-up care to ensure that the implants are working properly.
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The overall difference between a dentist and an orthodontist
The overall difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is that an orthodontist specializes in correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaws, while a dentist focuses on more general oral health.
An orthodontist may use braces, retainers, and other devices to align the teeth and jaws, while a dentist may fill cavities, clean teeth, and provide other preventive dental care.
