Why You Should Choose an Orthodontic Specialist
Why you should choose an orthodontic specialist when contemplating getting dental braces is explained by Frisco orthodontist Dr. Greg Greenberg. Dr. Greenberg and our team at RxSmile Frisco Orthodontics have been helping families with orthodontic care for over 25 years. He is an active member in the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and Texas Association of Orthodontists (TAO).
Choose an Orthodontic Specialist Dr. Greg Greenberg
Dr. Greenberg and his orthodontic colleagues recommend that you choose an orthodontic specialist for braces rather than a general dentist who has only completed a condensed training program. Dr. Greenberg, an orthodontic specialist, has additional postdoctoral training in orthodontics. He received his certificate in orthodontics from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Baylor College of Dentistry and his Bachelor of Science from Tulane University.
General Dentists that “Offer Braces”
There have been an increasing number of general dentists attending continuing-education seminars or condensed training programs in order to offer orthodontic services as a sideline to their primary services. Only your dentist knows what he or she is qualified to do well, however, with so much depending on the quality of treatment, choosing an orthodontic specialist helps insure that you get the best results possible. Orthodontic specialists will have additional postdoctoral training in orthodontics from an accredited university. Less than 6% of dental graduates pursue the rigorous additional specialty training required to become a certified orthodontist. As members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), orthodontists adhere to strict quality measures and ongoing continuing medical education. AAO membership requires a degree from an accredited orthodontic program, so it’s an easy way to distinguish between dentists practicing orthodontics and those formally trained as orthodontists.
Choose an Orthodontic Specialist Rather Than Do It Yourself Braces
Dr. Greenberg, with over 25 years of orthodontic experience, discusses why you should choose an orthodontic specialist for braces rather than “do it yourself” (DIY) options.
Dr. Greenberg and his specialty trained colleagues are concerned about teenagers and adults who attempt to do their own orthodontic treatment because the consequences can be life altering. People are looking to save money by working on projects oftentimes without the proper expertise. Internet marketing has led to online YouTube videos that offer step-by-step instructions that give many people false confidence to make these repairs themselves. However, the internet also reveals “do it yourself” fails.
National news outlets have reported an increase in individuals attempting “do it yourself braces”, that is, to do the work of highly specialized orthodontic doctors. Some of the recent DIY braces and how-to videos that can be found on the internet include:
- Direct Mail Order Braces
- DIY Braces
- 3D Imaging to Create Your Own Braces
- Social Six Braces and Six Month Smiles
Innovation is great, but approaches like 3D printing braces when you are unaware of the structural issues you’re facing isn’t an intelligent approach. The dangers of “do it yourself braces”, that is the approach to orthodontic work, are many. For example, there are online dental companies that will mail deliver clear dental aligners each week. This approach to self-treatment is not only dangerous, but may damage neighboring teeth and bone and lead to a more expensive treatment plan to correct misalignment.
To learn more about the danger of “Do It Yourself Braces”, read the article posted online Orthodontist: Some things – like braces – should not be DIY by David Hime – Special to the American-Statesman.
Dr. Hime is a native of San Antonio and has practiced orthodontics in Austin for 28 years. He is past president of the Texas Association of Orthodontists and was an Associate Professor in Orthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio for over 10 years.
If you need additional information or have experienced complications with Do It Yourself braces (DIY braces) or aligners and would like to make an appointment with our orthodontist, Dr. Greg Greenberg, please call 972 335 1300 Monday through Thursday, or submit an online appointment request and we will respond within one business day.