Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting the alignment of a patient’s teeth and jaws.
An orthodontist is a fully trained dentist who has had further years of training to specialise in the field of orthodontics. An orthodontist knows how best to straighten and move your teeth. They can also advise you on the best orthodontic treatment for you and your smile.
Orthodontics is skilled specialist work. Becoming a qualified orthodontist in the UK takes years of training and clinical experience including five years of dental school, four years of postgraduate training and three years of full-time specialist training!
Orthodontists have extensive knowledge of using appliances such as braces, clear aligner trays and retainers, so they can recommend the best kind of appliance to meet every individual patient’s treatment needs – creating beautiful and healthy smiles for children, teens and adults.
Dentists and orthodontists are both highly trained oral healthcare specialists, but they concentrate on different aspects of your dental health. It’s important to go to the right one, depending on your oral health needs.
For regular dental check-ups, teeth cleaning, and fillings, your dentist is the specialist to go to. Some dentists, like our lovely Neil, even take a special interest in orthodontics, and can help you plan your journey to a straighter smile.
If you have a complex orthodontic case, and want fully customised treatment, it’s best to consult an orthodontist. Your orthodontist has the specialist knowledge and experience for even the most difficult orthodontic issues.
Together, your orthodontist and dentist can offer you a complete dental health service, and at Beam Orthodontics, we work closely with our referring dentists to ensure you have a coordinated treatment plan and approach.
Orthodontist | Dentist | |
---|---|---|
QUALIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS | ||
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years) | ✓ | ✓ |
Master of Orthodontics (M.Orth) (3 years) | ✓ | |
General Dental Council Registered Specialist in Orthodontics | ✓ | |
Membership of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. British Orthodontic Society | ✓ | ✓ |
TREATMENTS & SERVICES | ||
General 6-month check up | ✓ | |
Fillings & extractions | ✓ | |
Cleaning & polishing | ✓ | |
Advises on overall oral health of teeth and gums | ✓ | ✓ |
Fitting of orthodontic appliances, such as braces & Invisalign aligners | ✓ | Some general dentists may fit braces and Invisalign® but they are not specialists in orthodontics |
EXPERIENCE & TRAINING | ||
Is specifically trained in the movement of teeth and bite issues | ✓ | |
Recommends and treats patients after assessing overall facial profile | ✓ | |
Uses the latest in orthodontic technology for the benefit of patients | ✓ | |
Attends regular training on developments in the orthodontic industry | ✓ | |
Is a member of The Invisible Orthodontist (TIO) Network | Not all orthodontists are members of TIO but those who are demonstrate further commitment to promoting invisible orthodontic treatment. |
Come for a free consultation with our team at our cutting-edge practice in the heart of Dundee, or book a video consult from the comfort of your home.
Situated in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, Beam Orthodontics has treated thousands of patients and brought a smile to the face of each one of them. Meet the team behind Dundee’s most beautiful smiles and find out why patients have made us their first choice for treatment.
© Copyright Beam Orthodontics