“Can a normal dentist replace my braces and filling?”
I need to get my braces and dental filling replaced. Do I have to visit an orthodontist or can a general dentist do this?
8 Answers
A general dentist can place braces; however not all general dentists have taken the advanced training necessary to provide this service. So check with the dentist and investigate his training and experience.
By visiting a general dentist he/she can diagnose the need of braces and fillings. They can provide a variety of options for alignment of teeth.
Your dentist is not an orthodontist. There is an ethical dilemma in his taking responsibility for a specialty situation that you need to have followed up on by whomever you selected to put them on in the first place. Do not put yourself in the position of embarrassment to be told you're in the wrong office nor on the same hand will your orthodontist be willing to replace any fillings that need to be done as they will go back to the dentist who cleans your teeth. Very simple division of labor here. These two people work in harmony to treat two separate independent issues that affect everyone in life.
You should go to a general dentist to have your filling done. If you're just having your braces removed a general dentist could do that, although an orthodontist would be better since he is more used to doing that. If you're having your braces replaced then definitely see an orthodontist.
Many dentist can replace the braces. Each case is unique. Depends on what is being replaced. One look and the dentist will be able to answer your question.
All the best
Dr David Wiseman
All the best
Dr David Wiseman
If a general dentist has the proper orthodontic training and experience, he or she can certainly treat you. Ask them about their training and background and ask to see photos of patients they have treated. As a general dentist who has extensive orthodontic training and provided orthodontic services to my patients for over 30 years, I have met many great GPs who do ortho. Just make sure your dentist can give you the result you're looking to achieve, otherwise, an orthodontist is your best bet.
Steven Chamish, DDS
Steven Chamish, DDS
Fillings should be general dentist scope of work. Braces obviously should be an orthodontist's work. General dentists like me who had training and experience can do braces, too. But if you want to replace braces, then you should seek an orthodontic consultation first..
An orthodontist will do the braces and the general dentist will do the dental filling.
