Can’t My Dentist Provide My Orthodontic Treatment?

September 6th, 2023

These days we’re seeing more dental offices offering some form of orthodontic treatment, especially options such as Invisalign or other clear aligner brands. At first glance this may seem convenient – you already have a relationship and are at that office for visits. But if you look further, you’ll realize you should trust your orthodontic treatment to a well-trained orthodontist

Let’s look at the differences between orthodontists and dentists for a better understanding. 

Dentists 

Dentists first go to college to earn a bachelor’s degree, then they go on to dental school. After completing their four-year doctoral program, they can go on to begin practicing general dentistry.  

Dentists provide regular check-ups, diagnose and treat cavities and gum disease, as well as other oral hygiene issues. They can extract teeth when necessary, and provide cosmetic or restorative treatments, such as veneers, crowns or bridges. Dentists also check for oral disease and provide education on maintaining your oral health. 

Dentists who offer orthodontic treatment have had minimal orthodontic training, usually a weekend hotel course where they learn the basics of braces or Invisalign. 

Orthodontists 

Orthodontists begin the same way as dentists – they obtain a bachelor’s degree before going on to an accredited dental school for a four-year doctoral program. After graduating, he or she is a dentist and could choose to begin practicing.  

However, some graduates opt for a dental specialty. Orthodontics is one of those specialties. In order to call oneself an orthodontist, one must be accepted into and complete an additional two-to-three-year orthodontic residency program. This is where the orthodontist studies the intricacies of dental malocclusions and gains the knowledge and skill necessary to treat orthodontic patients. 

Every orthodontist is a dentist, however, not every dentist is an orthodontist.  This is an extremely important distinction, especially as we are seeing more dentists offering treatment options such as Invisalign in their offices. 

Orthodontists have unique training in the science of moving teeth safely that a general dentist just doesn’t have. Moving teeth is what an orthodontist does each and every day. Most orthodontists see upwards of 60-80 patients per day while a typical general dentist may see 15-20 patients per day with only one or two being an orthodontic case. 

Orthodontists are trained to guide teeth to their ideal positions, as well as ensuring a bite is strong and jaws are properly aligned, in order to create a stable, harmonious and beautiful smile. Orthodontists offer a variety of treatment plans and options, rather than just one, for an important reason – not every treatment is right for every patient. 

Invisalign is the typical orthodontic treatment option that dentists receive training on. But these clear aligners aren’t always the most ideal option for every patient. Some patients have malocclusions that are too severe to be properly treated with it while others may just not respond well to treatment. 

If your provider is only trained on one type of treatment, what happens if that treatment doesn’t work and needs to be changed? Will your provider recognize that a change needs to happen? 

If your dentist [or your child’s dentist] is recommending orthodontic treatment, insist on seeing an orthodontic specialist – why trust your smile to anyone else? 

Call today to set up your complimentary initial appointment with Dr.Kennell today!

(603) 524-7404

Fuel for back to school!

August 25th, 2023

It’s that time of year again and if you're just starting out in Ortho treatment or need a quick reminder, here are some ideas on what to pack in your lunchbox for school!

Soft foods are easier and more comfortable to eat and are less likely to be caught in braces.  However choices like gummies, fruit roll ups, taffy etc. will stick like glue!

Some other brace friendly suggestions:

  • Banana slices, grape halves, and thinly cut (peeled) apples (dip them all in a bit of lemon juice to keep them from browning)
  • Canned peaches or pears, fruit cocktail and Mandarin orange slices
  • Applesauce or any of the mixed fruit “sauces” in individual servings
  • Thin carrot-curls made with a scraper, plus a small container of grated cheese or hummus, with torn-up fresh pita bread for scooping
  • Individual pudding and yogurt cups
  • Avocadoes sliced or mashed

The goal is to be soft enough to chew, healthy and filling to keep your mind and teeth strong. 

Monthly rewards: Don't forget to fill out & bring your monthly rewards to your next appointment! An easy 20 patient rewards points! Keep your eyes out for our September monthly rewards!

September back to school contest!!!!

Have you entered our back to school contest?

Guess how many Invisalign aligners are in the jar! One lucky winner will receive a backpack full of school supplies!!!

-We hope you had a fantastic summer, and have an easy transition back to school!

-The KO team

Back to school!

August 6th, 2023

As much as we love Summer, we know the beginning of August is a reminder in a few short weeks, Back to School activities will be in full swing!  Kennell Orthodontics wants to send your children back to school prepared for school life with braces or new orthodontic treatments. Pack your child their very own "Back to School with Braces" kit - something as simple as a ziplock plastic bag including items such as:  Orthopicks, orthodontic rubber bands, mini toothbrush and toothpaste, orthodontic wax, small mirror, floss, retainer case and tissues. This kit can easily be tucked into their backpack or locker and will help as a reminder of orthodontic care even when at school.  Start the school year off right with these reminders:

  • Bring retainer cases to lunch room and keep retainer in it to avoid accidentally throwing it away with lunch trash.
  • Always wear protective mouth guard for all fall sports - this will help prevent brackets from breaking and inner lip from rubbing against braces.

Stay ahead of the Back to School shopping rush by preparing these orthodontic kits now.

And enjoy your last few weeks of summer!

-The KO Team

Sweet Summer Time & 4th of July

July 5th, 2023

School is out for Summer and we're ready for sunshine and time to relax!

As school ends and you're on Summer break, we still want you to be conscious of the foods you're eating. If you're in Invisalign treatment you may remove your Invisalign trays and consume whatever foods you wish. (Making sure you brush well before putting your trays back in).

Here are a list of brace safe foods and treats!

  • Sugar Cookies
  • Chocolate Bars without nuts or caramel
  • Ice Cream
  • Cup Cakes
  • Hamburgers
  • Hot Dogs
  • Fruit
  • Potato Salad
  • Pasta Salad

Foods to Avoid:

  • Corn on the cob
  • Smore's
  • Hard chips or pretzels
  • Popcorn
  • Caramel
  • Gum

We want you to enjoy your summer and indulge in treats, just make sure you're mindful of the things you're eating!

Happy 4th of July!!! -The KO Team

We hope you enjoy a safe & fun summer! And can't wait to hear all about the trips and fun adventures you were able to go on this summer!

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