Before going into the hospital to have major surgery, you spend time researching and selecting the very best, most qualified surgeon because you only want to trust your body to the best! When straightening your teeth, the same kind of logic applies. You should only trust an expert who knows exactly what they’re doing. With the right schooling, training, and tools under their belt, an orthodontist is the expert you need. Some patients wonder why they can’t just get braces from their dentist instead. At Oldham Family Orthodontics in Kyle, we’ll break down the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist and explain why an orthodontist in Kyle is the right person to take care of you.

What A Dentist Does

A dentist focuses mainly on overall oral health. They look for cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis, and any other abnormalities in the mouth. Dentists offer services like fillings, crowns, and veneers and provide cleanings and X-rays to make sure your teeth are healthy and strong. Dentists have to complete a 4-year undergraduate college degree, as well as a 4-year dental school program. Once they graduate from dental school and pass their licensing examinations, they’re able to practice general dentistry. While a dentist can pull teeth and offer some teeth straightening appliances, they are not specifically trained in orthodontics and can practice in Kyle.

What An Orthodontist Does

An orthodontist specializes in the bite and alignment of teeth. Most people see an orthodontist in Kyle because they want to have a beautiful, straight smile, but an orthodontist is also concerned about how the teeth come together and fit inside the mouth. An orthodontist has to complete a 4-year undergraduate college degree, a 4-year dental school program, pass licensing examinations, become accepted to an Accredited Orthodontic Program, and then complete an Accredited Orthodontic Residency Program, which lasts about 2-3 years. During their residency, an orthodontist-in-training will accumulate 3,700+ hours of working with patients. They’ll study tooth movement, jawbone structure, facial bones, and soft tissue to better understand the shape and form of the mouth.

Dr. Oldham says, “I’ve had over 7,500 hours of training. I’ve seen a plethora of simple to complex cases in many different patient populations. I know that any patient who comes to my orthodontic practice in Kyle will receive the best treatment, because I have been equipped with the best knowledge and training over the years. It’s intensive training day after day, lots of studying, and hours and hours of practice, and it can be seen in my work as an orthodontist in Kyle, TX.”

What To Expect When You Come in for In-House Aligners

Much like Kyle Invisalign, we’ll scan your teeth with our iTero® scanner. With this technology, we can perform a complete scan, move teeth virtually, print 3D models, and print clear appliances. The scanning process is completely painless and can be stopped and started at any time if a patient needs to take a break. Most scans are finished within 5-10 minutes and the end result is a perfect 3D digital impression of your teeth that the orthodontist can view on the computer screen. This digital image can then be communicated to the 3D printer and Dr. Oldham can begin to make your aligners in-office. It takes about 2 weeks of turnaround time for your in-house aligners to be printed and ready for pick up.

What if My Dentist Offers Braces in Kyle/Buda?

You may be thinking, I want my family dentist to put on my braces because they’re already familiar with my teeth . . . what’s the worst that could happen? If you’re trusting a dentist to provide you with orthodontic care, you could actually end up with more problems at the end of the day. A general dentist could fail to spot underlying issues or not address an alignment problem, leaving you with teeth that are even more crooked than they were to begin with. Choosing a dentist to put your Buda/Kyle braces on could result in you spending twice as much in the future; having an orthodontist correct your dentist’s original mistakes.

Getting Braces or Invisalign From An Orthodontist

A qualified orthodontist will do a thorough examination of your teeth, take X-rays, and provide you with a step-by-step treatment plan. While your orthodontist will want to ensure you’ll end up with a beautiful smile, they should also want you to have your teeth properly aligned so your bite comes together just right. Make sure you do your research and pick an orthodontist who is not just the cheapest option but is the most experienced option.

Why Patients Love Oldham Family Orthodontics in Kyle

When you open your mailbox and see a flier from your dentist offering braces for cheap, don’t take them up on their offer! Your orthodontic health is too important!

Thinking about braces in Kyle/Buda? Do your research! Look for an orthodontist who is up to the challenge. At Oldham Family Orthodontics in Kyle, board-certified Kyle orthodontist Dr. Maxwell Oldham is passionate about creating smiles and providing expert care for all his patients. If you or your child are ready for Kyle/Buda braces or Invisalign in Kyle, set up a FREE consultation with us! At our office, you’re not just another patient. You’re part of our family!

“Dr. Oldham is the best orthodontist around. I came here after seeing other orthodontists in town and felt like Dr. Oldham gave me the best treatment plan, was the most honest and caring, and truly made me feel excited about getting braces instead of afraid. I knew I could trust Dr. Oldham to give me the best smile! Braces are a big investment but Dr. Oldham’s talent, gentle bedside manner, and thoughtful vision for my smile made it worth every penny! I highly recommend anyone thinking about braces, especially for your kids, to go see Dr. Oldham!!” – Google review from Robert H.

If you live in Kyle, San Marcos, or Buda, orthodontics has never been easier. 

We provide Kyle/Buda braces and Invisalign in Kyle to kids, teens, and adults. 

Call us today at 512-256-7886 to schedule your FREE orthodontic consultation!