Why see an Orthodontist for braces?

Orthodontists are dentists who have specialized, advanced schooling in aligning teeth and correcting bites. All orthodontists complete a two-three year orthodontic specialty residency after dental school with the training strictly geared towards creating beautiful smiles and perfect bites. General dentists and pediatric dentists do not have these unique qualifications or credentials.

After graduating from dental school at the University of Louisville School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Shaw completed a very competitive two-year, intense orthodontic specialty residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo where he received his Proficiency in Orthodontics and a Masters degree in Orthodontics. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the national professional association that is reserved only for orthodontists who meet these credentials. He completes dozens of hours of continuing education in the specialty of orthodontics every year allowing him to bring the most advanced techniques to his practice.

Because orthodontists specialize and focus on aligning your teeth and bite, they still want you to regularly see your dentist or pediatric dentist for check-ups, dental cleanings, fillings, crowns and many more services that your dentist provides, as your orthodontist wants you to receive the very best overall dental health care.

It is just good to know that while all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists.