Why You Should Trust Your Smile To An Expert Orthodontist

If you’ve been thinking about straightening your smile this year, you may be wondering if this is something your dentist can handle or if you’ll need to find a specialist like an orthodontist. You’re not alone—many people think that dentists and orthodontists are essentially the same, but there are actually some significant differences between the two. When it comes to your smile, they’re not interchangeable! It’s important to understand these differences in order to make the best decision for yourself and your family. 

Here at Moon Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide patients of all ages with exceptional care and incredible results. As a highly trained orthodontist, Dr. Moon has the necessary skills to correct many orthodontic issues. Once you understand what our practice can offer you that the average dental practice can’t, we think you’ll agree that trusting your smile to an expert orthodontist is a smart move. After all, you only get one smile! To learn more about us, keep reading below. 

All the extras

It’s true that dentists and orthodontists follow a similar path while they’re in dental school. That changes after graduation! At this point, most dentists will go into practice, while orthodontists will enter a residency program. These programs are highly competitive and only the top graduating dental students are accepted. They usually last 2-3 years and include a range of specialized education and training. Most of this focuses on identifying and correcting orthodontic issues.

To put it another way, an orthodontist is a dentist with additional years of education and training in orthodontics. While there are exceptions to every rule, most general dentists won’t possess this same level of experience in correcting bad bites and straightening smiles.

Dr. Moon could tell you exactly how much work goes into becoming an orthodontist! He obtained an Ivy League dental education from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA where he finished at the top of his dental class. After dental school, he completed a General Practice Residency at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY and then gained invaluable experience as a general dentist in Dallas, TX. When he realized his calling was in orthodontics, he relocated to Minneapolis, MN where received his orthodontic specialty certificate and a Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota

Dr. Moon was highly trained in state-of-the-art technology there, including robotic-assisted orthodontic therapy and digital modeling. This has carried over into our practice, where we use the latest orthodontic techniques and technology to create superior results. When you choose Moon Orthodontics, you’re trusting your smile to a true expert! 

 

 

Are dentists able to straighten teeth?

While all dentists do receive some basic orthodontic education at school, it’s relatively minimal compared with the training someone like Dr. Moon receives. Some general dentists can provide quality orthodontic care to their patients, but this is usually due to them acquiring additional skills through seminars and workshops. This allows them to expand their experience, but these continuing education courses can’t compare to the more rigorous programs that are dedicated to orthodontics. 

If your family dentist offers some orthodontic care, we understand why you’d be tempted to use them. Most of us prefer the known to the unknown, and you’re already familiar with their office and staff. But before you move forward with treatment from your dentist, consider what an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Moon can offer! This includes:

  • a wider variety of treatment options
  • a treatment plan built around your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals
  • more efficient treatments and visits, since orthodontics is our main focus
  • the best outcome for your smile, particularly if you have a complex case

At Moon Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing every patient with the highest-quality orthodontic care and exceptional results. Dr. Moon performs teeth-straightening procedures daily, and our entire team stays up to date on the latest in industry practice. We put a lot of time and energy into giving our patients the best orthodontic experience around! 

Personalized care gives you the best results

As the patient, it will always be up to you to choose the care provider you feel most comfortable with.  But when it comes to creating the healthiest smile possible, we think it makes sense to consider an orthodontist! Think of it this way: if you needed open-heart surgery or an appendectomy, would you prefer your family doctor or look for the best surgeon available? While general dentists can provide some basic orthodontic work, it doesn’t mean they’re the best choice. And you deserve the best! 

 

Trust your smile to an expert with Moon Orthodontics

Here at Moon Orthodontics, we go out of our way to make you feel welcome and comfortable from the moment you walk in the door. Since our sole specialty is straightening smiles, you’ll find that our expert team has the expertise to give you long-lasting results you’ll love! 

When you schedule an evaluation with us, Dr. Moon will perform a thorough examination of your smile. Afterward, he’ll walk you through his findings and outline his recommended treatment plan. This is a no-pressure appointment! If you decide not to pursue orthodontic treatment immediately, we’ll still be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Would you like to learn more about how orthodontics can transform your smile? We’d love to meet you! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Moon in our Olathe or Overland Park office.