As a parent, we know you want the best for your family. Their smiles are no exception! But what do you do if they’re struggling with oral health? If a family member is less-than-happy with their smile, you may be wondering what you can do to help. That’s where we come in! Bowen Family Orthodontics is proud to provide high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages in our Mullica Hill office. We’re taking a closer look at why you should trust your family’s smile to an orthodontist!
If you’re not sure where to begin on your orthodontic journey, you’re not alone! Many people wonder if an orthodontic evaluation can be done by their family dentist or if it’s something an actual orthodontist will need to handle. Some even believe the two are interchangeable. However, there are some significant differences between dentists and orthodontists that you should be aware of in order to make an informed decision. To learn why you should trust your family’s smiles to an orthodontist like Dr. Bowen, keep reading below!Â
Additional education and training, more relevant experience
Dentists and orthodontists both begin their careers with dental school, but once they graduate, their paths go in separate directions. Dentists are free to begin practicing at this point, but orthodontists must complete an additional 2-3 years of education, training, and supervision. During this time, they learn a great deal about identifying and treating misalignment of the teeth and jaws by:Â Â
- studying the growth and maturation of a child’s mouth
- learning special biomechanical techniques to successfully move the teeth using braces, aligners, and other appliances
- developing their diagnostic skills
- working on many case studies
Most people aren’t aware of how much work goes into becoming an orthodontist! While there are exceptions to almost every rule, most general dentists just don’t possess this exhaustive level of orthodontic training and experience.Â
That said, all dentists do learn some basic orthodontic skills in dental school, and there are some who can provide quality orthodontic care to their patients. These dentists will often sharpen those skills by attending continuing education workshops or seminars. While these can be very informative, most are unable to cover such an extensive subject in any real depth. Even dentists with some orthodontic experience will lack the level of education and skills a certified orthodontist has.Â
Most of us prefer the familiar. If your family dentist offers some form of orthodontic care, it’s only natural that you’d consider them first! But before you move forward with orthodontic treatment by your dentist, we encourage you to consider all the benefits that come with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Bowen! When you choose Bowen Family Orthodontics to meet all your smile needs, you’ll receive:Â
A wide variety of treatment options—we offer traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners.Â
A customized treatment plan—we build each plan around an individual’s unique smile, lifestyle, and desired results.
A more efficient process—orthodontics is our only specialty, so you can expect the most effective treatment and visits for the best possible smile.
Dr. Bowen performs teeth straightening procedures daily and our expert team is always working to perfect the services we provide. To do that, we regularly attend continuing education courses and keep our offices equipped with the latest in orthodontic technology. You’ll always receive the highest-quality care with our practice!
Specialized care creates the most beautiful smiles
You have every right to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with, but when it comes to your smile, it’s worth considering an orthodontist with specialized training. While some dentists can offer certain orthodontic services, Dr. Bowen has years of experience in creating smiles that feel just as good as they look!Â
Dr. Bowen graduated with high honors from The College of New Jersey with a BS in Biology. She went on to receive her dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, graduating with the highest honors among the ten highest-ranked students in her class.Â
While at UPenn, she received National Board Part I Honors, the Delta Dental Student Leadership Award, the Hanau Best of the Best Prosthodontic Award, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy Senior Student Award. She then completed her orthodontic education at the University of Connecticut, where she earned a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Dental Science.
Having an orthodontist supervising your treatment process can also help avoid any unnecessary complications. An orthodontist is more likely to pick up on some of the small things a general dentist may overlook and will only recommend a treatment plan that’s appropriate for each unique smile. That makes the journey towards a straighter smile an affordable, effective, and customized option for you or your child.Â
Find something to smile about at Bowen Family Orthodontics
When it comes to providing the best orthodontic care to your family, our team delivers! We offer world-class service, the latest in treatment technology, and exceptional results. Our team works hard to provide a welcoming environment, fun atmosphere, and rewarding experience from your first visit to the last!Â
Since orthodontics is our only specialty, we’re committed to giving your family the beautiful smiles they deserve. If you’re ready to take the first step towards improved oral health for everyone in your household, get in touch to schedule a FREE consultation with our Mullica Hill office! Once the exam is complete, Dr. Bowen will provide you with a diagnosis and a customized treatment plan. This is a no-pressure visit! Even if you decide not to pursue treatment immediately, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have or walk you through any concerns.Â
We’d love to set your family up for a lifetime of healthy smiles, so get in touch today to schedule your FREE in-office or virtual exam with Dr. Bowen!