Since orthodontists and dentists both help patients improve their oral health, many people assume that there's really no difference between the two; however, the two dental professions are pretty different. A dentist is a dental professional who has received specialized training to treat problems with the teeth, gums, nerves and jaws. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has successfully completed additional education past dental school that focuses on correcting bites, occlusion and straightening teeth.
While all dentists are legally allowed to offer braces to their patients, only about 6 percent of dentists are board certified orthodontists. On the other hand, all orthodontists have attended full-time residency programs, just like the one at UNLV, focusing exclusively on orthodontics for an additional two to three years after finishing dental school. At this type of program, the dentists in training learn how to analyze and treat hundreds of orthodontic cases under the close supervision of highly skilled and experienced orthodontists. At UNLV, our residents work with a team of faculty that are all board-certified orthodontists. Each case we treat is reviewed by the panel of faculty, so the best treatment plan is created for every smile that walks in our door.
Why See an Orthodontist and Not a Dentist
Just as you would only see a heart specialist for a serious heart problem, you should only see an orthodontist for orthodontic-related problems. Whether you have crooked teeth, an overbite, underbite or another type of orthodontic issue, only an orthodontist can provide you with highly specialized orthodontic treatment to correct the issue.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
The UNLV Orthodontic Clinic is a school that offers affordable, high quality orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. Under the watchful eye of our board certified orthodontists, our orthodontic residents provide our patients will exceptional orthodontic care. As our patient, you will receive affordable treatment using the latest available technology and treatment options. Our faculty are all board certified orthodontists who work with the residents along every step of the way. To schedule your free consultation, simply give us a call at (702) 774-2690 or complete the 'Appointment Request' form on our main website. We look forward to seeing you in our Las Vegas orthodontic clinic soon!