The human mouth has a lot to offer in the way of potential employment. From general decay to gum problems to issues with bite and alignment, those looking to make a living by treating people in the oral area certainly have plenty of options to choose from.
When it comes to teeth in general, most people are aware of the fact that tooth decay and gum disease are both serious problems. However, the aspect of mouth-related issues that people tend to focus on more so than others is the appearance of their teeth.
For the most part, people are apt to prefer teeth that are straight and visually appealing. In fact, some parents spend so much time dragging their children back and forth to orthodontists that they forget to do the one thing that is truly important for dental development – take their kids to the general dentist for regular cleanings.
As a dentist at Pizzarello and Silvestro Family Dentistry, a practice that has been helping patients in the Stoneham, Massachusetts area since 1995, Dr. Joseph Pizzarello is fully aware of the importance of having straight teeth. Not only can the presence straight teeth serve an important aesthetic purpose, it can also help prevent cavities in the long run. After all, the straighter one’s teeth are, the easier it is going to be for him to brush, floss, and successfully remove buildup and gunk, thereby reducing his changes of getting cavities. On the other hand, one should never use his orthodontic ventures as an excuse to skip out on his twice a year dental cleanings. In fact, when it comes to working towards a healthy and visibly pleasing smile, the best thing to do is actually to coordinate one’s dental care with any associated orthodontic treatment.
According to Dr. Pizzarello, many parents have a tendency to take their children to the orthodontist without consulting a dentist first. In reality, a dentist should be the one to advise parents as to when orthodontic care needs to come into the picture. Furthermore, some parents tend to operate under the assumption that an orthodontist will be able to treat their children for cavities and other such dental issues. However, this is rarely the case. The job of an orthodontist is to deal with the alignment of the teeth and bite; an orthodontist is usually not responsible for cleaning the teeth, detecting decay, and offering treatment.
While the average orthodontist will not perform the duties of a general dentist, the opposite does not always hold true. Many general dentists are actually well-equipped to offer orthodontic services, and by coordinating the two aspects of mouth-related care, a patient can end up saving himself a fair amount of money and hassle. Of course, not every dentist offers orthodontic services, and while each professional is different, Dr. Pizzarello tends to refer his truly complicated cases to an outside orthodontist. However, when it comes to treating one’s mouth from a health-based and aesthetic perspective, there is no reason not to tie both aspects together for the best treatment plan overall.
If you have a good relationship with your general dentist and are thinking of taking steps to have your teeth straightened, then talk to him before running off to the office of the nearby orthodontist. You might end up being pleasantly surprised to learn that your issue is one that your dentist can treat, and for a whole lot less money than you might otherwise be forced to pay.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
