We know it can be tough for patients to decide whether to undergo treatment from a conventional dentist or an orthodontic specialist. Both kinds of professionals can give you Invisalign treatment, but patients should think about the variations in training, experience and attitude while making this decision.
The main difference is in the extra education and training they get. Orthodontists go to dental school like everyone else but then they go on to do 2-3 years of extra training that focuses on repositioning teeth and fixing bite disorders. This advanced training teaches you about the biology of tooth movement, growth and development and how to plan complex treatments for different orthodontic problems. General dentists go to dental school for a basic training in orthodontics, but then they go on to do 2-3 years of specialized training that focuses on retraining the teeth and fixing bite disorders. This advanced training teaches you about the biology of tooth movement, growth and development and how to plan complex treatments for different orthodontic problems.
During dental school, general dentists learn some basic orthodontics but this is only a small part of their entire curriculum. Their training covers a wider range of dental care topics such as fillings, crowns, root canals and preventive care. Some general dentists take extra orthodontics classes to keep their skills up to date but these classes are usually far shorter than a full orthodontic residency. We only do orthodontic work at Marrecau Orthodontics, so every day we work on straightening teeth and fixing bite problems. Because we only do orthodontics we can stay up to date on the latest technology and techniques and become experts at treating difficult cases that other providers may find hard to handle.
It’s also important to find someone who has worked with Invisalign before. Both dentists and orthodontists can become Invisalign providers but the number and complexity of the cases they handle are often very different. Orthodontists deal with a wider range of orthodontic problems and may have dealt with cases that required extra procedures or changes to the regular treatment plan. Adult Treatment offers modern orthodontic solutions tailored to the needs of adult patients. Many individuals choose Adult Treatment to improve alignment and confidence at any age.
Orthodontic expertise is very helpful for complex cases. Experienced general dentists may be able to help with simple spacing or light crowding cases but more complex cases that involve bite adjustments, severe crowding or multiple orthodontic problems usually need the specialist knowledge that orthodontists have.
Treatment planning is another area where professional training is helpful. Orthodontists are trained to look at how the face grows, look at how the bite works in detail and plan the best time to start treatment for the best results. A deeper understanding of orthodontic principles is very important for getting the best results.
Specialists are also better at dealing with emergencies and fixing problems. Orthodontists have more training in figuring out what went wrong and how to fix it when problems arise during treatment or when things don’t go as planned. Their expertise helps them deal with problems that may be hard for regular practitioners to handle.
We do however recognize that some general dentists become very skilled at using Invisalign through experience and extra training. Patients should choose their orthodontist based on their specific training, level of experience and comfort with orthodontic treatment not just their professional title.
We suggest that Parkland patients who are considering their options ask potential providers about their orthodontic training, how many Invisalign cases they do per year, what kind of cases they usually treat and how they handle complex cases or treatment problems.
The final decision will depend on how complex your case is, how comfortable you are with the provider and how much experience they have with cases like yours. Experienced dentists may be able to handle simple cases well but complex orthodontic problems usually need to be seen by a specialist.
Dr. Tomas Marrecau brings a strong academic background and a genuinely patient-focused approach to orthodontic care. After studying molecular biology at Princeton and completing dental school at Tufts, he finished his orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania, gaining advanced training in modern treatment techniques. At his Parkland practice, he focuses on individualized care, creating treatment plans that fit each patient’s needs and long-term goals. Outside the office, he stays active through tennis, golf, and travel, keeping the same easygoing energy he brings to his work.