The Vital Role of Orthodontists in Dental Care: Going Beyond the Basics

General dentists play a role similar to primary care physicians in oral health. They serve as the initial contact for various dental requirements, providing services like routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, and occasionally cosmetic treatments like whitening. Their main focus is on overall oral health, emphasizing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral ailments. These dentists attend to patients of all age groups and can recognize when a patient requires specialized care for complex dental issues.

In the diverse realm of dental care, Orthodontics at The Wireworks located in Barrie, Ontario, as well as in North York, Ontario, contributes specialized expertise that extends beyond cosmetic enhancements. While general dentists focus on overall oral health protection, our team dives into the intricacies of tooth and jaw alignment, tackling a range of issues that impact both aesthetics and functionality.

In summary, many general dentists offer orthodontal services but do not have the specialized orthodontic training needed to make informed decisions for their patients. Orthodontists possess significantly more experience, having treated thousands of cases throughout their careers, compared to perhaps a couple of hundred cases for a general dentist.

Specializing in Orthodontics After Dental School

Orthodontists undergo extensive education and training that goes beyond the standard dental curriculum to specialize in orthodontics. This additional training begins after completing dental school, providing them with in-depth knowledge of craniofacial anatomy, tooth movement biomechanics, and intricate orthodontic procedures. This additional training takes 2-3 years to complete so they can specialize in orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists commonly provide treatment with braces, aligners, and other corrective devices to straighten teeth and address bite issues. While general dentists and orthodontists both contribute to oral health improvement, orthodontists exclusively focus on orthodontic treatments, handling more intricate corrective procedures compared to general dentists.

Dr. Boehlau focuses on correcting malocclusions, which refer to deviations from the ideal alignment of teeth and jaws. At Orthodontics at The Wireworks we specialize in diagnosing and treating various alignment issues, including overcrowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites, that can affect oral health and overall well-being. Using methods like traditional braces, clear aligners, and specialized appliances, orthodontists tailor treatments to meet each patient's specific needs. These interventions not only enhance the smile's appearance but also improve oral health by enhancing bite function and reducing the risk of dental issues such as cavities and periodontal disease.

Reduced Treatment Time and Cost

Of course, our orthodontist, Dr. Boehlau located in Barrie, Ontario, as well as in North York, Ontario, excels in efficiently managing appliances and using effective mechanical techniques. By accurately diagnosing malocclusions and developing comprehensive treatment strategies, Dr. Boehlau can streamline the orthodontic process, minimizing the duration of treatment without compromising the quality of results. 





Reducing treatment time not only benefits patients by minimizing discomfort and inconvenience but also helps lower overall treatment costs. By completing treatment more efficiently, orthodontists can potentially reduce the number of appointments required, thereby decreasing associated expenses such as dental visits and adjustments. 

It is important to remember though that orthodontic treatment can span over several years, typically starting around the age of 6. This involves meticulous monitoring and strategic treatment choices throughout the process. This doesn't necessarily indicate full orthodontic intervention, but rather keeping a close eye to intervene when necessary. Such guidance can minimize the need for extensive treatment and expenses later on. 

In saying that, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of having a consistent supervising orthodontist. While a traveling orthodontist may offer specialized expertise, their short-term visits may lack the ongoing presence and continuity that a permanent supervising orthodontist provides. This could potentially impact the quality of care given to patients over time.

Overall, the proficiency of orthodontists in managing appliances and mechanics plays a significant role in optimizing treatment outcomes, enhancing patient satisfaction, and minimizing the economic burden associated with orthodontic care. Dr. Boehlau's dedication to efficiency, combined with his proficiency in orthodontic principles and techniques, highlights the benefit he provides to patients looking for timely and cost-effective orthodontic solutions.

General Dentist and Orthodontic Fees

The dental community has expressed worries regarding general dentists charging higher fees for orthodontic services compared to orthodontic specialists, including all laboratory and appliance expenses. Because of the extensive education and specialized training that orthodontists receive, one might expect them to charge higher fees. Surprisingly, general dentists charge more despite this.

General dentists who offer orthodontic services alongside general dental care face overhead expenses but without the same level of specialization. When it comes to this, it's important to keep in mind that consulting an orthodontic specialist will not only save you time by providing tailored treatment but also reduce costs as a result.

Essentially, orthodontists are important in providing comprehensive dental care by harmoniously combining artistry and science to improve smiles and enrich lives. Working closely with general dentists, orthodontists embody the essence of interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrating a shared dedication to promoting optimal oral health and ensuring patient contentment.

Delegation of Duties Regarding Dental Hygienists

The delegation of duties to dental hygienists for orthodontic treatment is a topic that has garnered significant attention and debate within the dental community. While some argue that hygienists can effectively carry out certain orthodontic tasks under supervision, others contend that unsupervised treatment raises concerns regarding patient safety and quality of care. 

Delegating tasks to a hygienist without much oversight can pose challenges for general dentists. Although hygienists excel in areas such as improving orthodontic care, providing oral hygiene education, communicating with patients, and performing dental procedures, they are not specialized to participate in important treatments like fitting or adjusting braces.

There have also been valid concerns about the level of supervision and oversight provided to hygienists when performing orthodontic procedures. Orthodontic treatment requires careful planning, precise execution, and ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal results and patient safety. Without adequate supervision from an orthodontist, there is a risk of errors, misdiagnosis, and complications arising during treatment. 

Ultimately, the delegation of orthodontic duties to hygienists should be approached with caution and consideration for patient safety. Clear guidelines, proper training, and supervision protocols are essential to ensure that hygienists can effectively contribute to orthodontic treatment while upholding the highest standards of care and professionalism. 

The Importance of An Orthodontist

Seeking an orthodontist is crucial for a personalized evaluation, treatment strategy, and supervision of orthodontic concerns. Our proficiency in Orthodontics at The Wireworks provides accurate diagnosis through our digital technology and 3D printers. Then our orthodontist presents treatment options like traditional braces, ceramic braces, or our in-house brand of clear aligners called KinetiX Active Aligners. During your treatment, we deliver continuous care for sustained oral health and a radiant smile.



In summary, orthodontists contribute significantly to dental health. The choice between seeing a general dentist or an orthodontist depends on the nature of your dental needs. For routine care and basic dental treatments, a general dentist is your go-to. However, for specific issues related to the alignment of teeth and jaws, an orthodontist is better equipped to provide the specialized care required.

If you have any questions or concerns, call us at our practice in Barrie, Ontario at (705) 737-0343 or in North York, Ontario at (416) 781-4200 at Orthodontics at The Wireworks in Barrie, Ontario, as well as, North York, Ontario. We are here to assist you with your orthodontic needs.

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