As a parent, you want your family to have the best of everything. Their smiles are no exception! But what happens if their teeth need a little help? If you have a family member who is struggling with some aspect of their smile, you may be wondering what you can do to straighten things out. That’s where we come in! Foley Orthodontics is proud to provide exceptional orthodontic care to patients of all ages from our Cary office. When you trust your family’s smiles to an experienced orthodontist, you can expect nothing less than the best. Dr. John Foley is highly trained and experienced in identifying and correcting a wide variety of orthodontic issues, from crooked teeth to misaligned jaws and beyond.
If you’re not sure where to begin on the orthodontic journey, you’re not alone! Many people wonder if an orthodontic evaluation can be done by their family dentist or if it’s something an actual orthodontist will need to handle. Some even believe the two are interchangeable, but there are some significant differences between dentists and orthodontists that you should be aware of in order to make an informed decision. To learn why you should trust your family’s smiles to an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Foley, keep reading below!
Education, training, and experience
While dentists and orthodontists both begin their careers in dental school, they go their separate ways after graduation. Orthodontists like Dr. Foley must complete two to three additional years of specialized training in an orthodontic residency. During this residency, orthodontists in training learn how to identify and treat misalignment of the teeth and jaws. They’ll also:
- Study the growth and maturation of a child’s mouth, teeth, and jaw
- Learn biomechanical techniques to reliably move the teeth with braces and appliances
- Develop their diagnostic skills
- Specifically and only provide orthodontic treatment as a resident to patients with the supervision of trained orthodontic faculty
- Complete their own research as well as be up to date on all existing and current orthodontic research
As you can see, there’s quite a lot that goes into becoming an orthodontist! General dentists, while they are some of our favorite people and provide excellent dental and oral health care to our patients, they do not possess this level of orthodontic training and experience. That being said, all dentists will receive some very basic level of orthodontic training in dental school. Some dentists will try to learn with continuing education seminars and workshops. The downside to this, of course, is that workshops and seminars are taught by other dentists that have not gone through an orthodontic residency program. Additionally, they can’t cover such extensive material in the same depth as the years of specialized training of an orthodontist, including consistent hands-on experience. Dentists with orthodontic experience will still lack the level of education and training of an orthodontist.
If you have a family dentist who offers orthodontic care, we understand why you would consider them as your first option. After all, you’re already comfortable with them and their team, and most people prefer the familiar over the unknown. But before you move forward with orthodontic treatment by your dentist, you should consider the benefits of choosing an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Foley. These include:
- A doctor who only performs orthodontics on every patient, every day, therefore is their only focus
- 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 only focus
- The best possible outcome for your smile, especially if your case is complex or severe
At Foley Orthodontics, our only focus is on orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Foley performs teeth straightening procedures daily and is always working to perfect his technique. Our entire team also stays up to date on the latest in industry practices by regularly attending continuing education courses, whether in-person or online (which are much more common these days!). Our Cary office is equipped with the most current orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide patients with high-quality care and exceptional results!
Specialized care produces the best smiles
As the patient, it’s your right to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with. However, when it comes to the way your smile looks and feels, it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move your teeth! While some dentists can provide some basic orthodontic services, Dr. Foley is a board-certified orthodontist who has years of experience in creating beautifully aligned smiles in our community.
Orthodontic care can also help you avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things that a general dentist may overlook and will only recommend the appropriate treatment plan for you. 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.
Trust your family’s smiles to Foley Orthodontics
If you’re looking for a positive, rewarding orthodontic experience, you’re in the right place! Our talented team offers the highest quality care, the latest treatments, and the most innovative technology. We provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! And since our only specialty is orthodontics, we’re able to give our patients nothing but the best.
Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier smile? We’d love to meet you! When you schedule a FREE consultation with our Cary office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by Dr. Foley. After your exam, we’ll provide you with a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Don’t worry—this is a no-pressure visit! Even if you decide not to start your orthodontic treatment right away, we will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have to help you make an informed decision.
Your family deserves a lifetime of confident smiles! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE in-office exam!