Advanced Orthodontics
I am often asked, “what is getting more advanced and modern about orthodontics”. When we are using corrective braces to correct the bite and straighten the teeth, aren’t we all advanced? Well— not necessarily. First it takes an advanced dentist.This is a dentist that wants to keep learning and growing in the profession. Then he must go back to school for at least 2 years to be able to specialize in orthodontics. We have special training in orthodontics surgery, orthodontics retainers, and TMJ orthodontics. You then become what general dentists call a “real orthodontist” or a RO.
This distinction is necessary because half of the orthodontics in the United States is done by general dentists! I have been an RO adviser to several dentists who have gotten in over their heads on a complex case and need help. These patients usually don’t know that their dentist has not done the extra 2 year training. And it’s all perfectly legal.
A general dentist can do any of the specialties that have split off as specialties like surgery, pedodontics, TMJ, etc. as long as he doesn’t claim to be a specialist. So it all comes down to wording and how he describes himself.
Orthodontics was the first speciality to split off from dentistry in 1890 for one reason: it is sooo complicated.I am swamped with just trying to keep up with all the new research that comes out every month. I could not begin to do any other phase of dentistry, even though it’s legal, because I just don’t have time to learn all the knowledge necessary to become competent in another field.
So advanced orthodontics boils down the individual practitioner. It comes from an
internal desire to be excellent, and provided the best treatment possible for your patients.
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