Periodontist vs. Orthodontist – Who To See First?

When it comes to dental health, deciding who you should see first can be difficult – a periodontist or an orthodontist. Both specialize in different areas of dentistry and have their own unique set of skills and expertise.

Periodontists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that affect the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. On the other hand, orthodontists are experts in straightening teeth by using braces or other corrective devices.

The decision on who you should see first depends on your dental needs. If you have gum disease or any other issues related to your gums, visiting a periodontal dentist near you would be your best bet. However, if you are looking for ways to straighten your teeth or correct misalignments, then an orthodontist is what you need.

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating periodontal disease. Periodontists are also experts in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. If you are experiencing any symptoms of periodontal diseases, such as bleeding gums, receding gums, or persistent bad breath, you should see a periodontist in Wenatchee for an evaluation.

When to See a Periodontist

You should see a periodontist in a few different scenarios. If you’re experiencing any pain or bleeding in your gums, this could be a sign of periodontal disease, and you should see a periodontist as soon as possible. You must see a periodontist for regular cleanings and maintenance if you have already been diagnosed with periodontal disease. 

You may also visit a periodontal dentist if you’re considering getting dental implants in Wenatchee, WA, to ensure your gums are healthy enough to support the implant.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist can straighten teeth using braces, clear aligners, or other appliances. Orthodontics specialists also treat conditions such as underbites and overbites.

When to See an Orthodontist

It is crucial to visit an orthodontist if you have jaw problems, teeth alignment, or crooked teeth. You may also need to see an orthodontist if your child has spaces between the teeth. 

During your consultation, the orthodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth and jaw to determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you. If it is determined that you would benefit from treatment, the orthodontist will develop a customized treatment plan just for you.

Treatment Options for Each Specialty

The periodontal dentist in Wenatchee can perform several treatments:

• Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are two procedures used to treat gum disease. Scaling removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, while root planing smooths the root surfaces by removing worn-down tissue. 

• Flap surgery

Flap surgery is a procedure that involves the reshaping of a section of gum tissue to reduce gum pockets.

• Soft tissue grafting

A dentist will incision the gums and graft healthy tissue from elsewhere on your body into the defect. The grafts are then sutured together with the existing bone around them.

An orthodontist offers treatments like:

• Braces

Braces are used to straighten teeth. They can be metal or plastic, fixed or removable. Braces have rubber bands and wires that hold your teeth in place while they heal.

Several brace options are available, and the best option will depend on what kind of treatment you need and how long it will take for them to work their magic.

• Invisalign

Invisalign uses aligners to correct teeth. Invisalign is a series of clear, removable plastic trays worn over the teeth.

• Retainers

Retainers hold teeth in place after braces are removed. They’re made of a plastic material that can be worn full-time or part-time, depending on your preferences and your dentist’s recommendations. Retainers can also be removed for cleaning and maintenance.

Cost Comparison of Both Treatments

The cost of periodontics varies greatly. The average cost of periodontics can range anywhere from $3,000-$6,000, depending on the length of treatment needed. 

Orthodontic treatment is usually much more expensive than periodontic treatment. The average braces cost is around $1,200-$2,400 per set. If you have insurance covering most of these costs, you can save money overall by receiving both treatments at once.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Confluence Dental Wenatchee for more information on periodontists and orthodontists and which one you should see.