Dentists are Not Orthodontic Experts

Today, we are seeing more and more quick fixes to solve problems, and correcting a smile is no different. Products like 6 Month Smiles are being touted as easy and fast ways to improve smiles. Not only that, we’re seeing more dentists offering orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, in their offices.

One might think this is helpful – only having to schedule appointments at one office might save you time and energy, instead of trekking around town to different offices. But Grayslake orthodontist Dr. Michael Stosich warns against trusting anyone other than a licensed orthodontist to perfect your bite.

“Dentists are very well trained at what they do every day,” says Dr. Stosich. “But what they do day in and day out is very different from what I do. Even if your dentist offers orthodontics in his or her office, it isn’t the primary focus, and therefore their knowledge at handling orthodontic cases will not be as vast as an orthodontist, who treats a wide variety of issues each day.”

Every orthodontist is also a dentist, but not every dentist is also an orthodontist. After graduating from dental school, an orthodontist spends an additional two to three years in schooling and training to learn about the intricacies involved in perfecting a bite.

“Often times, people mistakenly believe that orthodontics is all about cosmetics,” says Dr. Stosich. “While creating beautiful smiles and improving facial aesthetics is a big part of what we do, creating a bite that can function properly is our primary goal.”

Dr. Stosich is an expertly trained orthodontist who strives to provide the best patient care found in orthodontics. His patients receive the most advanced and efficient treatment that is carefully and precisely planned out to meet the needs of each individual patient.

“When it comes to orthodontic care received in a dental office, it’s often one-size-fits all or in some cases, only adjusts the front teeth, which can create an even worse bite than the patient had before,” says Dr. Stosich.

Dr. Stosich spent an additional seven years following his dental school graduation at top research universities so he could further study ways to help teeth move more efficiently. And he uses that knowledge, along with his experience in treating every type of orthodontic issue, when it comes to his precise treatment planning.

Dr. Stosich’s treatment plans involve diagnostic images and 3D care plans that are backed up by careful measurements, and the science of how teeth move. His use of data, and his expertise in creating treatment plans with precision are often unmatched.

“This is what sets a good orthodontist apart from not just a dentist who offers orthodontics, but other orthodontists, as well,” says Dr. Stosich. “We’ve studied, and continue to study, the intricate way the parts of the mouth work together, and create the most ideal treatment plan to improve the bite, appearance of the smile, and facial aesthetics. It’s not eyeballing what a problem may be, but rather taking careful and precise measurements, and using the technology available to create exact treatment plans that meet the patient’s smile goals.”

Dr. Stosich is committed to offering the best in orthodontic care, and his patients can rest assure they will receive a smile that is not only beautiful, but functional as well. When it comes to your smile, be sure you seek out a highly trained and licensed orthodontist.