As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes a lifetime of healthy smiles. Properly aligned, healthy teeth are vitally important to overall health, and the confidence that a beautiful smile brings with it can be life-changing. While many people rely on their dentist to provide an orthodontic evaluation, there are numerous reasons why you should trust an experienced orthodontist with your family’s smiles. 

At Bluebird Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Commack, Long Island, and the surrounding area. Dr. Frank is passionate about creating healthy and beautiful smiles in her community, all the while providing exceptional, specialized care to families just like yours. To learn more about the differences between a general dentist and an orthodontist, as well as how our team can help you achieve a smile you feel proud to show off, just keep reading!

Education, Training, and Experience

While dentists and orthodontists both attend dental school, their paths diverge after graduation. Dentists generally go directly on to practice general dentistry, orthodontists must complete two to three years of additional specialized education and training to learn to identify and treat misalignment of the teeth and jaws. During this time, they also:

  • study how a mouth grows and matures throughout one’s life
  • learn biomechanical techniques to successfully maneuver the teeth with braces and aligners
  • develop their diagnostic skills
  • work on numerous case studies

As you can see, there’s quite a lot that goes into becoming an orthodontist! And while there are exceptions to every rule, most general dentists will not possess this level of training and experience. That being said, all dentists do receive some basic level of orthodontic training in dental school and are capable of providing limited orthodontic assessment and 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 can’t quite cover the same extensive material in the same depth as the years of specialized education and training an orthodontist receives. Dentists with orthodontic experience will still lack the level of specialization and expertise of a dedicated orthodontist.

Why You Should Trust An Experienced Orthodontist With Your Family's Smiles

More Treatment Options For Your Family’s Smiles

If you have a family dentist who offers orthodontic care, we understand that you’d consider them for your treatment. 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. However, before you move forward with orthodontic treatment from your dentist, you should consider the benefits of visiting Bluebird Orthodontics to trust an experienced orthodontist with your family’s smiles. These include:

  • a wider variety of treatment options, like metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners 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 Bluebird Orthodontics, our only focus is on orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Frank performs countless teeth straightening procedures and works constantly to stay on top of her game. Our entire team also stays up to date on the latest in industry practices by regularly enrolling in continuing education courses. Our Commack office is equipped with the latest orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide patients with high-quality care and stunning results. Treatment options include:

Invisalign

The Invisalign system is made up of a series of unique, made-to-order plastic aligners that are nearly invisible and completely removable. Unlike traditional braces, no brackets or wires are needed to move your teeth! This gives you more freedom and flexibility that traditional braces just can’t beat. Designed to fit snugly but comfortably over your teeth, Invisalign provides a subtle and comfortable, yet highly effective, orthodontic experience. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, and changed out weekly with the next in the set, these aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired positions.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are still the most widely used orthodontic appliance, and have come a long way in recent years! They are typically made of a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other durable, mouth-safe metals. Bands wrap around the back molars, and smaller metal brackets are cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. Then, a thin, springy metal wire runs through the brackets and may be fixed to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. All of these components come together to gently guide your teeth into the desired positions over time.

Clear Braces

Also called ceramic braces, these function in the same way metal braces do, but are made of clear materials instead of stainless steel. Because they are less visible than traditional braces, they’re popular with older teens and adult patients who tend to be less excited about adding braces to their look. They are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth. 

Specialized, Experienced Care Produces the Best Smiles

As the 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, feels, and functions, we think it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move your teeth – and we have one of the best! While some dentists can provide orthodontic services, Dr. Frank has years of experience specifically in creating healthy, beautifully aligned smiles. 

Orthodontic care with an experienced orthodontist can also help you avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things that a general dentist might overlook and will recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your unique 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. 

Why You Should Trust An Experienced Orthodontist With Your Family's Smiles

Trust Your Family’s Smiles to Bluebird Orthodontics

When you trust an experienced orthodontist with your family’s smiles, you can feel confident that you’ll receive only the best care and treatment options. Our team will take as much time as you need to ensure you understand your treatment and feel confident in your care. 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. 

If you’re ready to take the first step towards a healthier smile, we would love to meet you! When you schedule your initial consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by one of our expert doctors and a treatment plan customized to your needs and goals. 

This consultation 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 free in-office or virtual exam!