Dentist Orthodontist Pikesville

Patients make better choices about their dental treatment when they know what each type of dentist and orthodontist does in Pikesville. We often talk about how our specialized expertise builds on regular dentistry but serves a different purpose at Level Orthodontics. After dental school we spent several years learning only about how teeth move and how to position the jaw. With that focused education we can handle cases that need more than just basic dental care.

Like any other dentist the first step to become an orthodontist is to finish dental school. During those four years we studied about cavities, gum disease and how to fix teeth. After we graduated we decided to go back to school for orthodontic specialization programs. Those programs required two to three more years of hard work. We learned new skills while treating hundreds of cases under supervision. That extra training got us ready to handle tough alignment challenges.

A lot of the time people find out they need braces from their regular dentist. Dentists see problems that need special care during regular visits. They see problems with spacing, crowding or bites that are bad for dental health. Those dentists who pay attention send patients to orthodontists for evaluation and treatment. We appreciate those referrals because they get patients the right care fast. The professional collaboration between orthodontists and dentists benefits the patients in our community.

We often help patients figure out which dentist to see for certain dental problems. Dentists take care of cavities, clean teeth and cure gum disease. They pull teeth, fill them in and make crowns for teeth that are broken. Orthodontists only work on moving teeth and fixing the way the jaw fits together. We correct biting abnormalities that make it hard to eat and straighten crooked teeth. In some complex cases specialists need to work together. This partnership ensures patients get full care.

Patients in Pikesville get a lot of benefits from the relationship between dentists and orthodontists. We talk to each other often about the patients we both see and how they are doing. While you are in braces your dentist will still clean and examine your teeth. They will let us know about any dental problems that need to be fixed. We will tell them about any changes that could affect future dental work. This ongoing conversation ensures everyone is on the same page and knows what’s going on.

Sometimes parents ask if orthodontic treatment means they don’t have to go to the dentist anymore. We always stress that both kinds of care are still very important. With braces it’s even more crucial to get your teeth cleaned regularly. Brackets and wires make it easy for plaque to build up in certain areas. Professional cleanings get rid of buildup that brushing every day could miss. Dentists also look for cavities that could slow down the growth of braces. We move teeth into better positions but dentists make sure those teeth stay healthy. We offer Clear Aligners to make dental cleanings easier during treatment for more complex patients.

Level Orthodontics sees patients with a wide range of dental problems. Some patients come in with perfectly healthy teeth and are ready for orthodontic treatment right away. Some patients need to fill cavities or treat gum disease first. We work with their dentist to make sure the timing is right. This preparation prevents problems and ensures a smooth treatment. Being patient during this coordination phase can get you better long term results.

Patients often get confused about the cost of dental care vs orthodontic care. Most dental insurance plans cover things like cleanings and x-rays very well. Most of the time basic procedures like fillings are also well-covered. Orthodontic benefits work differently and usually have lifetime maximums. Some plans cover a certain percentage, others give a set amount of money. We help patients understand both kinds of coverage and get the most out of their benefits.

We have a lot of experience with orthodontics including how faces grow and change over time. We know how jaws develop and change as people get older. We can plan for the future because of this knowledge. We know that the position of the teeth can affect how you speak, breathe and chew. Dentists learn the basics of orthodontics but our advanced training goes much deeper. Because we focus on this area we can overcome tough alignment problems.

The respect between dental professionals makes patient treatment better. We go to continuing education classes together and share what we know. Dental societies give people a place to work together and learn. The whole community benefits from these professional partnerships.