Here at the orthodontic offices of Dr. Jared Lee, we understand that you want the best for your family. That includes high-quality dental care and a healthy, beautiful smile! Maintaining oral health plays a large role in your overall health and the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile can be life-changing. Many people consider visiting their general dentist for orthodontic evaluations when starting their journey to a better smile. However, there are a few reasons why you should trust your smile to an experienced orthodontist!
Dr. Lee and his team provide expert orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Oxnard, Santa Paula, and the surrounding communities. Our team is highly trained and has the experience necessary to give families like yours access to exceptional care and superior results. Understanding the differences between a general dentist and an orthodontist will help you make an informed decision about which option is best for you and your family. Keep reading below to learn more!
Education, training, and experience
Dentists and orthodontists both begin their careers in dental school, however, their paths diverge after graduation. Dentists go on to practice general dentistry, while orthodontists must complete two to three years of additional specialized learning and training in how to identify and treat misalignment of the teeth and jaws. During this time, they’ll also:
- study the growth and maturation of a child’s mouth
- learn biomechanical techniques to successfully move the teeth with braces and aligners
- develop their diagnostic skills
- work on numerous case studies
As you can see, there’s quite a lot that goes into becoming an orthodontist! And while there are exceptions to every rule, most general dentists will not possess this level of orthodontic training and experience. That being said, all dentists will receive some basic orthodontic training in dental school and are capable of providing quality orthodontic care to their patients. These dentists will often sharpen their skills with continuing education seminars and workshops.
The downside to this, of course, is that workshops and seminars just can’t cover the same extensive, in-depth material as the years of specialized training of an orthodontist. Dentists with orthodontic experience will still lack the level of education and training of a dedicated orthodontist like Dr. Lee.
A variety of treatment options for your smile
If your family dentist offers basic orthodontic care, we understand that you would want to consider them as your first choice. After all, you most likely already have a relationship with them, and it’s human nature to prefer the familiar over the unknown. However, before you move forward with orthodontic treatment with a general dentist, you should consider the benefits of choosing an experienced orthodontic team. These include:
- a wider variety of treatment options, including metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners
- a customized treatment plan created just for you based on your unique needs, lifestyle, and desired results
- more efficient treatments and visits, since orthodontics is their main focus
- the best possible outcome for your smile, especially if your case is complex or severe
At the orthodontic offices of Dr. Jared Lee, our only focus is on orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Lee performs teeth straightening procedures daily and is constantly striving to learn and perfect his technique. Our entire team stays up to date on the latest in industry practices by regularly attending continuing education courses, whether in-person or online (which are much more common these days!). Our Oxnard and Santa Paula offices are each equipped with the latest orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide patients with high-quality care and exceptional results!
Specialized care produces the best smiles
As the patient, it’s your right to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with. But when it comes to the way your smile looks and feels, we think it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to move your teeth safely and effectively. While some dentists can provide orthodontic services, Dr. Lee has years of experience in creating beautifully aligned, healthy smiles.
Dr. Lee earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University before going on to receive his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from UCLA. After dental school, he spent three years as a post-doctoral clinical fellow at Columbia University in New York City. There he received a Master’s degree in Orthodontics. During his years of education, Dr. Lee also spent time in Guatemala where he wrote a chapter for a book about the country’s healthcare system. He also conducted research that focused on the accuracy of computerized representations of dental and skeletal models.
When you trust your smile to an experienced orthodontist, you can avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things that a general dentist may overlook and will recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your unique set of needs. This can reduce treatment times and lessen the chance of any complications. The treatment plan itself will be time-effective, affordable, and built around your unique smile.
Trust your family’s smiles to Dr. Jared Lee
When you trust your smile to an experienced orthodontist, you can feel confident you’ll receive the best possible care. Our talented team offers the highest quality care, the latest treatments, and the most innovative technology. And since our only focus is orthodontics, we’re able to give our patients nothing but the best.
We strive to provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier smile? We’d love to meet you! When you schedule your initial consultation with our offices in Oxnard or Santa Paula, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by Dr. Lee. Following your exam, we’ll provide you with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
This is a no-pressure visit! Even if you decide not to start your orthodontic treatment right away, our team will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have to help you make the best choice for your smile.
Your family deserves a lifetime of healthy smiles! Get in touch today to schedule your in-office or virtual exam.