What is the difference between a prosthodontist and an orthodontist?

Prosthodontist vs. Orthodontist

Prosthodontist, orthodontist, is there any real difference? Why would I go to one instead of the other? Can I just see my dentist for all my dental issues? When it comes to dental specialties, there happens to be a lot of overlap. Orthodontists and prosthodontists are dentists, but they are also dental specialists, and they have undergone 3-5 years of specialty training after having graduated from dental school. They are experts in teeth, but each has a unique focus.

Can my dentist do the work?

Your dentist helps you maintain excellent oral health, providing you with cleanings and checkups and routine dental care. But when you need more specialized care, it’s best to go to a professional who has been educated and trained in that specific area of expertise. When you have problems with the alignment or loss of your teeth, take your concerns to a specialist.

What is a prosthodontist?

Prosthodontists are specialists in replacing missing teeth. With years of extra training and experience, they are specialized dentists who use prosthodontics, such as caps, crowns, bridges, and dentures, to restore normal dental function. Prosthodontists also restore dental implants when a patient wants a permanent solution to their missing teeth.

In addition to rebuilding parts of the mouth, prosthodontists build up their patients’ confidence by eliminating the struggles and embarrassment that often result when a person is missing teeth. Missing teeth not only cause physical discomfort but emotional as well. Replacing teeth and reconstructing parts of the mouth that have been damaged by cancer, TMJ, a cleft palate, or other problems is the prosthodontist’s greatest skill. And it’s what they do every day.

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is who you seek out when you have misaligned teeth or jaws. Rather than replacing teeth like a prosthodontist, an orthodontist specializes in working with the teeth you have. These dental specialists most often use braces to straighten crooked teeth and/or adjust the position of your facial structure and jaw.

Patients who have crooked teeth often struggle with speaking, biting, chewing, and the pain that results. Orthodontists use braces as a life-changing treatment for misaligned or crowded teeth, underbites, overbites, crossbites, gaps in teeth, and jaw problems.

When do you need to see a prosthodontist?

If you’ve noticed you have some sort of dental issue that needs attention, begin by discussing it with your dentist. In fact, your dentist may have been the one who brought the problem to your attention in the first place. Ask them for advice on what type of specialist to see and if they have a recommendation.

If you’re looking for the best San Diego prosthodontist, contact us at San Diego Office Phone Number 619-463-3773. Our skilled prosthodontists replace missing teeth with the most natural-looking, feeling, and functioning artificial teeth available today.