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At Windy City Orthodontics, we know you want the best for your family and that includes their oral health and care! Healthy teeth play a key role in total body health and you should never underestimate the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile. Many people considering an orthodontic evaluation wonder if this is something their family dentist can handle or if it’s necessary to see an actual orthodontist. While many believe these are interchangeable, we’re here to tell you why you should trust an experienced orthodontist with your family’s smiles.
Dr. Pakravan and his expert team are proud to provide high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages throughout Chicago. Our team is highly trained and experienced, giving families like yours access to exceptional care and superior results. Understanding the differences between a general dentist and an orthodontist 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
While dentists and orthodontists both begin their careers in dental school, their paths diverge after graduation. General dentists go on to practice, while orthodontists must complete two to three years of additional 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 and facial structures
- learn biomechanical techniques to successfully move the teeth with braces and aligners
- develop their diagnostic skills
- work on numerous case studies
- take advanced coursework and perform research in the field
As you can see, a lot of work goes into becoming an orthodontist! And while there are exceptions to every rule, most general dentists will not possess the same orthodontic training and experience. That being said, all dentists do receive some basic level of orthodontic training in dental school and are capable of providing 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 the same depth as the years of specialized training of an orthodontist. Dentists with orthodontic experience will still lack the level of education and training an orthodontic specialist has.
More treatment options for your smile
If you have a family dentist who offers orthodontic care, we understand that you’d consider them as an option. After all, you most likely already have a relationship with them and their team, and it’s natural to prefer the familiar over the unknown. But before you move forward with orthodontic treatment from your dentist, you should consider the benefits of choosing an experienced orthodontist at Windy City Orthodontics. These include:
- 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 Windy City Orthodontics, our only focus is on orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Pakravan and his team perform teeth straightening procedures daily and are constantly striving to learn and perfect their technique. Our entire Windy City team stays up to date on the latest in industry practices by regularly attending continuing education courses, whether in-person or online (which are much more common these days!) Our Chicago office is equipped with the latest orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide patients with high-quality care and stunning results!
Specialized care creates the best smiles
As a patient, you have the right to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with. But when it comes to the way your smile looks and your oral health, we think it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move your teeth. Fortunately, we have one of the best! While some dentists can provide orthodontic services, Dr. Pakravan has years of experience in creating beautifully aligned, healthy smiles in our community.
When you trust an experienced orthodontist with your family’s smiles, you can also avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things that a general dentist may overlook and will recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your unique set of needs. 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 Windy City Orthodontics
When you trust an experienced orthodontist with your family’s smiles, you can feel confident you’ll receive the best possible care. Our talented team offers the highest quality care, the latest treatments, and the most innovative technology. We strive to provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! And since our only focus is 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 your initial consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by Dr. Pakravan. After your exam, we’ll provide you with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
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 to help you make the best choice for your smile.
Your family deserves a lifetime of healthy smiles! Get in touch today to schedule your in-office or virtual exam with Windy City Orthodontics!