Do You Need an Orthodontist for Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option, but you don’t need to see an orthodontist to get it. This might seem confusing on its face, but there’s a good reason for this—Invisalign is quite different from traditional braces.

At Total Dental Care, Dr. Narendra is an Invisalign-certified cosmetic dentist, while Dr. Height is an orthodontist who is qualified to provide both braces and Invisalign. This means whether you prefer to see an orthodontist or a dentist, we can meet your needs.

Here’s what sets Invisalign apart from traditional orthodontic treatment.

When you need dental care, you typically seek out a dentist who specializes in that field. You look for an oral surgeon if you need an impacted wisdom tooth extracted or an endodontist if you need a root canal for a painful tooth. When it comes to Invisalign, finding a dentist who is trained in providing aligner therapy is more important than focusing only on their dental specialty.

Orthodontists and general dentists can both become certified in Invisalign treatment. This qualification indicates that the dentist has participated in advanced training in the use of Invisalign. Invisalign training is the most important thing to look for in an Invisalign provider.

Why is it so critical that a dentist is Invisalign-certified? It’s because Invisalign treatment differs from standard braces in so many ways. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners rather than metal brackets and archwires, gently and gradually moving your teeth into new positions.

Understanding Invisalign's specific treatment planning approach is crucial for an Invisalign provider. With its state-of-the-art treatment planning software, Invisalign has much more predictable outcomes than braces. Because Invisalign works differently than traditional orthodontic braces, it’s more important that a provider understands the system and its unique technology.

Another reason to choose Total Dental Care for Invisalign is for the convenience of being able to get comprehensive dental care all under one roof. You won't have to coordinate treatment with two separate dental specialists because you'll simply go to your regular dental practice. There's no need to worry about facilitating communication between dentists, completing new patient paperwork, or getting acquainted with a new office.

While you'll need to visit our office every four to six weeks to ensure that your treatment with Invisalign is progressing as planned, we can schedule at least some of these visits at the same time as your biannual dental cleanings and exams for your convenience.

Once you’ve completed Invisalign treatment, we’ll be able to continue to monitor you since you’ll still be visiting our practice for regular dental care. This helps us to ensure that your retainers are fitted properly and that you are wearing them as directed to keep your new smile looking fantastic.

To learn more about Invisalign or other options for orthodontic treatment, contact us today at 240-813-9111 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.