Should i see an orthodontist or our regular dentist about braces for our daughter? our regular family dentist does braces, and for cheaper than what it looks like most orthodontists charge, but i'm wondering if i should just go ahead and take her to an or

You : You can do both. I would suggest seeing your dentist first so they could help you choose a good orthodontist that they refer to and have seen good results.

I : I would advise you to have a formerly trained, university educated orthodontist evaluate and treat your daughter. Orthodontic treatment for your daughter involves a very complex consideration of many factors. At the very minimum a proper evaluation of your daughter’s condition requires consideration of her state of physical growth, progress of tooth development, her facial features and soft tissue relationships, evaluation of her oral/facial musculature function, her skeletal jaw morphology and relationships, and her tooth alignment and dental bite relationships – not just a look at your daughter’s teeth and a conclusion that she has crooked teeth and needs braces. After a proper set of diagnostic records is taken, and an evaluation and diagnosis is achieved, a treatment plan is developed based on the individual demands of your daughter’s condition. Execution of this treatment plan is then designed and implemented through the application of fixed (braces) or removable (retainers or clear aligners) tooth movement appliances. For your daughter to receive the best, most through, and effective evaluation, diagnosis and treatment you need to see a university trained orthodontic specialist. That is the best person with the expertise to afford your daughter the optimum treatment result in the most effective and efficient manner. From a financial standpoint the orthodontist is the best person to provide the treatment at the most cost effective price. The orthodontist does just orthodontics all day; their office is set-up to provide just orthodontic services. The orthodontist has designed their practice from every aspect (physical plant, staff, and equipment, supplies) to be the most efficient at accomplishing the care in the most timely manner and at the most cost effective price. On top of all of that you want your daughter to receive the best care - she will only get one set of teeth. A great smile is the “promotional card” we all bring with us all of the time, we use it every day. An investment in your daughter’s teeth is an investment that will pay back dividends for her lifetime.

There : There is more to moving teeth around than meets the eye, and a board certified orthodontist is likely to know more and have greater experience that a dentist who dilutes his treatment with many other typed of dental care. Yes i know there are some general dentists who are very good at straightening teeth, but why would you want second best for the daughter who is going to choose how you spend your setting days. If it is a matter of dollars, find out what both treatment options cost, and try to negotiate, but never cut the quality of care for your daughter. Dr neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.

See an orthodontist: A board certified orthodontist is trained to do only orthodontics. After 30 years of practice, I have found some of the easy cases turn out to be very difficult (due to growth, cooperation, and physiologic differences) and some difficult cases turn out to be very easy. You wouldn't want your family doctor performing brain surgery. See the one who is trained so you don't have to do it again.

Go to ortho: Some general dentists do a lot of ortho and are very good at it. I would check how much ortho your dentist does and the results he gets. Talk to some of his ortho patients. However, it sounds like your concern would warrant the extra expense and peace of mind of seeing an orthodontist who does only braces all day every day.

Orthodontist: While it is possible that the general dentist has taken a massive amount of continuing education in orthodontics, and could treat your child; it is probably more wise and best value to be treated by a certified orthodontist. There is no secret handshake or mystery to ortho, it can be learned, however, i would rather be treated by someone who limits their practice to only that procedure.

Orthodontist: An orthodontist has 2, 000 or more hours of training in just treatment of malocclusions than does your general dentist, no matter how well intentioned he may be. You get what you pay for...Cheaper is not better, and very often not equivalent. Ortho rx is a service, not a commodity. Orthodontists do orthodontic care, they don't do "braces." you're talking about treating your kid's face...

Orthodontist: Its like asking, should I go to an interest or a heart surgeon for open heart surgery. There is a reason why orthodontists spend 3 more years, specifically studying orthodontics. Sure, the dentist is cheaper, but your medical care is not like buying a banana (or some other commodity). Don't know why some people see their oral health care needs differently, but this should be a no brainer.