At Bigman Orthodontics, we know you want the best for your family, and that includes healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. If you’ve been considering an orthodontic evaluation for you or your child, you may have wondered if this is something your family dentist can handle or if you should seek out an actual orthodontist. Although many people believe them to be interchangeable, there are some significant differences between dentists and orthodontists that set them apart! Choosing an orthodontic treatment is a big decision, and you should know why you should trust your family’s smiles to an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Sandy Bigman.
Here at Bigman Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide expert orthodontic care to patients of all ages in San Ramon and the surrounding communities. Dr. Bigman is highly trained and experienced, which means he can offer families like yours exceptional care and superior results. Understanding how they differ from a general dentist will help you make an informed decision about which option is best for you and your family. Keep reading below to learn more!
Education, training, and experience
Education and training are the biggest differences between a dentist and an orthodontist. While they both begin their careers in dental school, their paths diverge after graduation. Orthodontists must complete 2-3 additional years of specialized learning and training in how to identify and treat misalignment of the teeth and jaws. During this time, they’ll also:
- study the growth and maturation of a child’s mouth
- learn biomechanical techniques to successfully move the teeth with braces and aligners
- develop their diagnostic skills
- work on numerous case studies
As you can see, quite a lot goes into becoming an orthodontist! Although there are exceptions to every rule, most general dentists will not possess this level of orthodontic training and experience. That being said, all dentists will receive some extremely basic orthodontic training in dental school. That means there are some general dentists out there who are capable of providing quality orthodontic care to their patients.
These dentists will often sharpen their skills with continuing education seminars and workshops. The downside to this, of course, is that workshops and seminars are unable to cover such extensive material in any real depth. Dentists with orthodontic experience will still lack the level of education and training a dedicated orthodontist has.
If you have a family dentist who offers orthodontic care, it’s understandable that you’d consider them as an option for treatment. After all, you’re already comfortable with them and their team, and most people prefer the familiar over change. But before you move forward with orthodontic treatment by your dentist, you should consider the benefits of choosing an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Bigman. This includes:
- a wider variety of treatment options, like metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligner systems like Invisalign
- a customized treatment plan created just for you based on your unique needs, lifestyle, and desired results
- more efficient treatments and visits, since orthodontics is their main focus
- the best possible outcome for your smile, especially if your case is complex or severe
At Bigman Orthodontics, we keep our focus on orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Bigman performs teeth straightening procedures daily, and is constantly working to perfect his technique.
Our entire team keeps up to date on the latest in industry practice by regularly attending continuing education courses, whether in-person or online (which are much more common these days!) Our San Ramon office is equipped with the most current orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide patients with high-quality care and exceptional results!
Specialized care produces the best smiles
As the patient, it’s your right to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with. But when it comes to the way your smile looks and feels, we think it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move the teeth. We happen to have one of the best! While some dentists can provide orthodontic services, Dr. Bigman has years of experience in creating beautifully aligned smiles. In fact, he’s transformed smiles for over 10,000 patients!
Orthodontic care can also help avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things that a general dentist may overlook, and will only recommend the treatment plan that will be the most successful for your smile. This can reduce treatment times and lessen the chance of any complications. The treatment plan itself will be time-effective, affordable, and built around your unique smile.
Trust your family’s smiles to Bigman Orthodontics
When it comes to a rewarding orthodontic experience, Bigman Orthodontics delivers! Our talented team offers the highest-quality care, the latest in treatment, and the most innovative technology. We provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! And because our only specialty is orthodontics, we’re able to give our patients nothing but the best.
If you’re ready to transform your smile, we’d love to meet you! When you schedule a FREE consultation with our San Ramon office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by Dr. Bigman. 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 pursue orthodontic treatment immediately, we’ll 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 healthy smiles! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE in-office or virtual exam!