Being a parent means choosing the best for your family, whenever you can. If you’re considering an orthodontic evaluation for you or your child, you may be wondering whether you should consult your general/family dentist or an experienced orthodontist. Though they’re generally not common knowledge, there are some significant differences between the two that you should definitely take into consideration before making your choice. Though dentists are skilled at caring for your general oral health, there are a few key reasons why you should trust your family’s smiles to an experienced orthodontist. 

Dr. Ryan and Dr. Barry Booth are proud to provide high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Homer Glen and the surrounding communities. Keep reading below to learn more! 

Education, training, and experience

While dentists and orthodontists both begin their careers in dental school, their paths diverge after graduation. Orthodontists like Dr. Booth must complete two to three years of post-grad orthodontic residency to receive certification from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). During their residency, orthodontists-in-training learn how to identify and treat misalignment of the teeth and jaws. During this time, they’ll also:

• study the growth and maturation patterns of a child’s mouth, teeth, and jaw
• learn biomechanical techniques to reliably move the teeth with braces and appliances
• develop their diagnostic skills
• specifically and only provide orthodontic treatment as a resident to patients with the supervision of trained orthodontic faculty
• complete their own research and stay up-to-date on all existing and current orthodontic research

As you can see, it’s no simple task becoming an orthodontist! Though dentists are some of our favorite people and provide excellent dental and oral health care to our patients, they simply do not possess the same level of specialized orthodontic training and experience as an AAO-licensed orthodontist. 

That being said, all dentists will receive some amount of orthodontic training in dental school. Some dentists may opt to delve deeper with orthodontic continuing education seminars and workshops. The downside to this is that these workshops and seminars are generally taught by other dentists that have not gone through an orthodontic residency program. Additionally, they are unable to cover the breadth of material in the same depth that an orthodontist would receive in their years of specialized, hands-on residency. Dentists with this orthodontic experience will still lack the level of specific education and training an orthodontist has. 

Orthodontia is all we do

We understand that you’d want to consider your family dentist for orthodontic care. All things considered, you’re already comfortable with them and their team, and most people prefer the familiar over the unknown. But before you go with your dentist for orthodontic treatment, you should consider the benefits of choosing an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Booth. These include:

• a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs, lifestyle, and desired results
• more efficient treatments and visits, since orthodontics is their only focus
• the best possible outcome for your smile, especially if your case is complex or severe

At Booth Orthodontics, we provide only the best orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Booth performs tooth-straightening procedures daily and works constantly to keep his technique in peak form. Our entire team stays up-to-date on the latest in industry practices by regularly attending continuing education courses. Our Homer Glen office is equipped with the latest orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide our patients with state-of-the-art care and exceptional results! 

Specialized care produces the best smiles

As the patient, you have the right to choose the healthcare provider with whom you feel most comfortable. That said, when it comes to the look and feel of your smile, it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move your teeth. While some dentists can provide orthodontic services, our orthodontists have years of experience in creating beautifully aligned, functional smiles. 

Orthodontic care can also help you avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things that a general dentist may overlook and are able to create a treatment plan that is completely customized to meet your needs. This can reduce treatment times and lessen the chance of any complications. The treatment plan itself will be time-effective, affordable, and built to fit your smile. 

Trust your family’s smiles to Booth Orthodontics

If you or a family member have been considering orthodontic treatment, our team is here for you! We’re proud to offer you high-quality orthodontic care and the latest treatments for patients of all ages. We provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! And since we only do orthodontics, we’re able to give our patients nothing but the best. 

Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier smile? We’d love to meet you! When you schedule a FREE consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by Dr. Ryan or Dr. Barry Booth. Following this exam, we’ll provide you with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Don’t worry—this is a no-pressure visit! Even if you decide not to start your orthodontic treatment right away, our team will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have in order to help you make an informed decision.

Your family deserves a lifetime of confident smiles! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE in-office exam!