You have crooked teeth, should you see an orthodontist or a dentist? You need a filling. Should you see an orthodontist or a dentist? Your child sucks his thumb. Should you take them to see an orthodontist or a dentist?
For many people, regular visits to the dentist are part of their overall healthcare, but very few people have stepped into an orthodontic clinic. At Peel Orthodontics, we are the first experience many of our patients have had with orthodontic treatment, so we often start by explaining the difference between us and their family dentist.
The table below outlines the key differences between orthodontists and dentists and the role they play in your oral care.
| Orthodontist | Dentist | |
| Qualifications & Memberships | ||
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years) | ||
| Master of Orthodontics (MOrth) (3 years) | ||
| Membership of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. Australian Society of Orthodontists | ||
| Treatments & Services | ||
| General 6-month check up | ||
| Fillings & extractions | ||
| Cleaning & polishing | ||
| Advises on overall oral health of teeth and gums | ||
| Fitting of orthodontic appliances, such as braces & Invisalign aligners | Some general dentists may fit braces and Invisalign but they are not specialists in orthodontics | |
| Experience & training | ||
| Is specifically trained in the movement of teeth and bite issues | ||
| Recommends and treats patients after assessing overall facial profile | ||
| Uses the latest in orthodontic technology for the benefit of patients | ||
| Attends regular training on developments in the orthodontic industry | ||
| Is a member of The Invisible Orthodontist (TIO) Network | Not all orthodontists are members of TIO but those that are demonstrate further commitment to promoting invisible orthodontic treatment. | |
Source: The Invisible Orthodontist
I moved to Mandurah from the UK in 2008 with my husband and two children. After 15 years experience in office management, I decided it was time for a change and retrained with Dental Nursing Australia to become a qualified Dental Assistant in 2010.
Since then, I have gained valuable knowledge and experience in general dentistry in both Private Practices and the Public Dental Health Services. I joined Peel Orthodontics in May 2012 and enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere of the team.
I am a Treatment Co-ordinator for Dr Ash and enjoy meeting our fabulous patients and their families when they come to us for their initial consultation. I also work chairside, assisting with all orthodontic procedures.
Working with Dr Ash and seeing the positive results that our patients achieve through their orthodontic treatment encouraged me to have braces myself to improve my own smile. This has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of the process and the experience a patient goes through to reap the lifelong benefits of orthodontic treatment.
I have worked in the Orthodontics part of dentistry for over 12 years, and following a seachange to Mandurah 9 months ago, I began working at Peel Orthodontics.
In my free time, I love to enjoy our beautiful beaches, and estuary with my family and two dogs.
Making the most of a longtime love of the Peel region, we also enjoy boating, and entertaining, and I am currently renovating our home by the beach.
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Peel Orthodontics
Suite 3/5 Murdoch Dr
Greenfields
WA, 6210
08-9586-9653
