One Office, Complete Care: Orthodontics at Topping Dental

When it comes to your family’s dental care, you want the best expertise, convenience, and comprehensive treatment possible. Choosing the right provider for your family’s dental care can feel overwhelming. Do you need a general dentist, an orthodontist—or both?

Many families assume they have to choose between comprehensive care and convenience. But what if you didn’t have to?

Today, we’re busting myths and shedding light on why choosing a dentist who is also an orthodontist is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your family’s oral health.

Myth #1: Every Dentist Is an Orthodontist 

Fact: While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. This is a key distinction that affects the quality and scope of care your family receives.

• Dentists are general oral health practitioners who complete dental school and earn a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. They provide a broad range of services including routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, and some cosmetic procedures. Their focus is on maintaining overall dental health.
  
• Orthodontists first complete dental school but then pursue an additional 2-3 years of specialized residency training focused entirely on tooth and jaw alignment, malocclusions (misaligned bites), and corrective appliances like braces and Invisalign.

Because orthodontics requires specialized training, not every dentist is qualified to provide expert orthodontic care. However, some dentists have chosen to get the extra training and certification, making them dual specialists. That’s why choosing a provider who is both a dentist and an orthodontist gives your family the best of both worlds.

Myth #2: Seeing Separate Providers for Dentistry and Orthodontics Is Better

Fact: Visiting two different offices for general dentistry and orthodontic care can create unnecessary complications for your family.

Here’s why one dual-trained provider is a game-changer:

1. Comprehensive Care Under One Roof

When your provider understands every aspect of your family’s oral health, from routine cleanings to complex orthodontic treatments, they can design truly comprehensive care plans. This integration allows them to see how orthodontic issues affect your overall dental health.

For example, if your child has crooked teeth and signs of gum disease or cavities, a dual specialist can coordinate treatments to optimize both alignment and oral health simultaneously. This ensures no aspect is overlooked.

2. A Holistic Approach

Dentistry and orthodontics are deeply connected. Bite alignment affects chewing function, speech, jaw health, and even facial aesthetics. A provider trained in both fields has the unique ability to consider all these factors in a holistic way.

They can:

• Assess the impact of orthodontic treatment on teeth, gums, and jaw joints.
  
• Anticipate how general dental procedures might affect or be affected by orthodontic appliances.
  
• Plan treatments that balance cosmetic goals with long-term oral health.

This approach leads to better outcomes and fewer complications.

3. Convenience and Streamlined Communication

Managing multiple appointments with different specialists can be a logistical headache, especially for busy families. Choosing a dentist who is also an orthodontist means:

• Fewer office visits and less travel.
  
• One consistent provider who knows your family’s complete dental history.
  
• Faster communication and decision-making.
  
• Coordinated scheduling for general and orthodontic treatments.

This convenience saves time, reduces stress, and improves adherence to treatment plans.

Myth #3: Orthodontists Are the Only Experts Who Can Fix Misaligned Teeth

Fact: Orthodontists are alignment experts—but dentists with formal orthodontic training offer a wider lens on your total dental health.

Dual-trained dentists can:

• Diagnose and treat alignment issues
• Provide ongoing dental care during treatment
• Spot and manage oral health concerns that impact orthodontic outcomes
• Use the latest tech in both general and orthodontic care

At Topping Dental Group, our dentists who are also certified orthodontists deliver cutting-edge treatments while managing your family’s overall oral health.

Myth #4: Orthodontic Care Is Just Cosmetic 

Fact: Straight teeth are more than a pretty smile. Proper alignment affects everything from chewing and speech to jaw comfort and long-term dental hygiene.

Poor alignment can lead to:

• Difficulty chewing or speaking
• TMJ issues and jaw pain
• Excessive wear on teeth
• Hard-to-clean areas prone to decay and gum disease
• Lower confidence, especially in kids and teens

Choosing a provider who treats both function and form helps your family achieve better oral health long term.

Topping Dental: A Unique Practice That Offers Both Dentistry and Orthodontics—in One Place

Most orthodontists operate separate clinics that only focus on braces or aligners. Most general dentists don’t offer orthodontic care at all. That usually means juggling multiple offices, new providers, and disjointed treatment plans.

Topping Dental is different.

Here, you’ll find something truly unique: comprehensive dental care and expert orthodontic treatment—under one roof! We have experienced family dentists and trained orthodontists. That means your entire family can stay with a provider they already know and trust, whether it’s time for a cleaning, braces, wisdom teeth removal, or clear aligners.

One office. One doctor. One coordinated approach to your smile.

Book your consultation today and experience the convenience, expertise, and personalized care of dual-trained providers who treat your whole family like their own.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces and Invisalign

How do I know if I need braces or Invisalign?

If you have crooked teeth, gaps, crowding, or bite issues, you may be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment. We offer consultations to evaluate your smile and recommend the best path forward—whether that’s traditional braces, clear aligners, or another solution.

What’s the difference between braces and Invisalign?

Both straighten your teeth, but they work differently. Braces use metal brackets and wires, while aligners use a series of clear, removable aligners. Braces are often best for more complex cases. Clear aligners are a great option for patients who want a more discreet and flexible treatment.

How long will I need to wear braces or aligners?

Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case. On average, most patients wear braces for 18–24 months. Invisalign treatment can take 6–18 months, depending on how often you wear the aligners and the amount of movement needed.

Can I get braces or Invisalign as an adult?

Absolutely! Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids. Many adults choose braces or clear aligners to improve their smile and oral health at any age.

What makes orthodontic treatment at Topping Dental different?

Unlike most dental practices, Topping Dental offers both general dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. We are uniquely qualified to oversee your full oral health journey—from routine care to advanced orthodontic treatment—without referring you elsewhere.

Learn more about our orthodontic services.