We have a newly renovated and modern practice: Our Swinton clinic has been thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind; offering a fresh and contemporary space that feels warm and inviting.
Personalised Treatments: Whether it’s invisible aligners, traditional braces, or advanced solutions such as lingual brace systems, we craft treatments tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
State-of-the-Art Technology: From 3D scans, digital photographs and radiography, to precise digital treatment plans, we ensure your orthodontic care is as efficient and comfortable as possible.
Experienced Care: Our expert Specialist Orthodontists are passionate about delivering beautiful, lasting results whilst making every step of your journey seamless.
At Aligned Orthodontics, we don’t just align teeth; we align with, your schedule, and your budget. We’re proud to offer:
Your smile deserves the best care, and it all starts with a simple visit.
Book your free smile assessment or schedule a full assessment with our orthodontist to fast-track your treatment plan by completing the contact section on our website.
At Aligned Orthodontics, Where Smiles Are Made, we’re not just perfecting teeth - we’re changing lives, one smile at a time.Take the First Step Today!
Orthodontic treatment is a vital aspect of achieving a healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smile. Patients seeking treatment often have two options: visiting a Specialist Orthodontist or receiving care from a general dentist who provides orthodontic services. While both professionals can address certain orthodontic concerns, their training, focus, and areas of expertise differ. Understanding these distinctions can help patients make informed decisions about their care.
What Is a Specialist Orthodontist?
A Specialist Orthodontist is a dental professional who has completed additional training, typically a 3-5 year postgraduate program for an additional degree, after earning their initial dental degree. This advanced training focuses exclusively on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and jaw alignment issues. Orthodontists dedicate their practice solely to orthodontic care, allowing them to handle complex cases and offer a wide range of treatments, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and other advanced appliances. Orthodontists consider the whole face and function of adult and growing patients.
General dentists are skilled professionals who provide comprehensive oral care, including routine check-ups, fillings, crowns, and gum disease management. Some general dentists also offer orthodontic treatments, such as clear aligners or limited braces, after completing additional short courses. Their services are often geared toward straightforward cases that do not require extensive intervention and they are not trained in the complexities of the growth and development of jaws.
1. Specialised Training:
Orthodontists undergo several years of intensive postgraduate training that focuses exclusively on Orthodontics. This specialized education equips them to manage complex cases, including severe malocclusions, jaw discrepancies, and issues requiring surgical intervention.
General dentists may complete short-term courses or certifications to provide certain types of orthodontic treatment, but their primary training focuses on general dental care.
2. Scope of Practice:
Orthodontists concentrate solely on orthodontic care, allowing them to develop deep expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of alignment issues.
General dentists, while skilled in many areas of dentistry, typically manage simpler orthodontic cases and will refer more complex cases to a Specialist.
1. Comprehensive Care:
Orthodontists can provide a full spectrum of treatments, including fixed braces, clear aligners, functional appliances, and multidisciplinary care involving oral surgery or periodontal management.
General dentists often offer limited orthodontic services, such as clear aligners, and may focus on mild to moderate cases.
2. Complex Cases:
Orthodontists are equipped to handle complex issues such as severe crowding, impacted teeth, or bite problems requiring jaw surgery.
General dentists typically manage straightforward cases and collaborate with orthodontists when specialized care is required.
It’s important to emphasise that orthodontists and general dentists often work together to ensure the best outcomes for patients. General dentists play a critical role in identifying orthodontic issues during routine check-ups and referring patients to a specialist when needed. They also provide essential dental care throughout orthodontic treatment, such as cleanings and cavity prevention, to support the overall health of the teeth and gums.
Choosing between an orthodontist and a general dentist for orthodontic care depends on the complexity of the case and the patient’s goals:
For Complex or Severe Cases: A specialist orthodontist is often the best choice due to their advanced training and ability to manage intricate treatments.
For Mild or Moderate Cases: A general dentist providing orthodontic treatment may offer a convenient and effective solution, particularly for patients already receiving regular care from the dentist.
Both orthodontists and general dentists are dedicated to improving patients’ oral health and smiles. While their roles and training may differ, their shared commitment to patient care ensures that individuals receive the most appropriate treatment for their needs. By working collaboratively, general dentists and orthodontists help patients achieve confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
