Finding a Good Orthodontist

Finding a Good Orthodontist

Most surgical techniques for malocclusion (misalignment of jaws and teeth) and orofacial deformities are  modified procedures developed before World War II by oral plastic surgeons. The ratio of orofacial surgeries was greater in the European countries, where dental practitioners had developed voluminous literature to study this discipline.

Despite these plentiful theoretical studies, considerable attention seemed to still be needed regarding diagnosis and planning, to treatment and evaluation of the surgical procedures.  Only recently have such parameters been defined  to deal with orofacial surgeries since orthodontists are included as a significant part of the surgical teams.

Currently, naturally rotated jaws and teeth can be relapsed to their original position through an orthodontic treatment – something that had previously been impossible

Role of Orthodontist

Orthodontists have traditionally performed many roles that have only enhanced in scope over the past few decades. Some of these essentially include:

ü  Evaluation of malocclusion and dentofacial  morphology

ü  Carefully correlating cephalometric analysis, clinical findings, and dental casts evaluation

ü  Analyzing this correlation to reach an appropriate diagnosis for the basic treatment.

Steps to Becoming an Orthodontist

An orthodontist has all the know-hows of a regular dentist in addition to some extra qualifications. Predominantly, this objective collaboration between oral surgery and orthodontics helps orthodontist determine the extent of the surgery.

This approach considers all aspects including prognosis, diagnosis, indications, contraindications, and therapeutic modifiability in order to perform a successful cosmo-dental surgery.

 A specialized 3-year training is mandatory, along with prerequisite academics in the undergraduate program. In case you are looking to pursue your passion in this domain, here are the steps you can follow:

Step 1: Undergraduate Requirements

Before you pursue training as an orthodontist, it is essential that you complete your pre-dental academic requirements. In order to get admission in the dental program, you must have a 2-year Bachelor’s degree or at minimum, a 2-year Undergraduate education. In conjunction with that, your major pre-dental courses must be science subjects including:

ü  Chemistry

ü  Biology

ü  Physics

Step 2: Dental Admission Test (DAT)

You have to take a Dental Admission Test, administered annually by the American Dental Association (ADA). It is a combination of four tests and is designed with a set of specifications.

Step 3:  Dental School

Once you qualify for dental school, you enter a 4-year dental program to pursue your graduation.  Typically, you study all the science courses including anatomy, microbiology, physiology, and biochemistry during first two years.

The final two years comprise of gaining exposure to dental specialties, clinical experiences, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgeries.

Step 4: Orthodontics as a Postgraduate Program

It is commonly known as Orthodontics Specialty Program that you are eligible for once your dental program is completed. It is a 3-year program aimed to help you gain additional dexterities in dento-facial orthopedics, and surgical orthodontics.

You are required to pursue and complete your research project as a part of your postgraduate degree.

Step 5: Board Certification (Voluntary)

Upon completing your specialized training program, you may appear in a clinical exam offered by the American Board of Orthodontics to demonstrate your acquired orthodontics skills and knowledge.

 Step 6: Get Your License

Legally practicing as a dental specialist requires you to apply for a practice license. The licensure requirements include a degree in orthodontics program from an accredited institution.

Conclusively, a bachelor’s degree, intensive training and certification over a couple of years make you eligible for the orthodontics postgraduate program. Additionally, your postgraduate program followed by a subsequent state exam will allow you to officially practice orthodontics and general dentistry.

Please visit our website at www.hillcrestdentistry.com for more information on our services at

Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.

Why You Should Get The Best Dental Health Insurance

Why You Should Get The Best Dental Health Insurance

Dental health insurance is a set of plans designed to cover all future costs related to your dental health care. It is a cheap option to consider especially when you have to schedule multiple visits to the dentist every month. There are three kinds of dental health insurance you can opt for:

ü  PPO Dental Insurance Plans

They are the best amongst the types of insurance plans in terms of service. They give you the choice of choosing your dentists. These plans offer affordable rates to their members.

ü  HMO Dental Insurance Plans

They have a specific wing of dental health specialists and dentists. The insured members have to choose from the group of dentists already chosen by the company. These plans are the cheapest amongst all three categories and they operate on fixed rates.

ü  Dental Indemnity Insurance Plans

These plans are suitable for groups due to their high costs and lengthy procedures. In this, insured members make direct payments and get compensation later after submitting claim forms to the insurance company.

How does it work?

In terms of annual checkups, the insurance company pays the full amount for the insured member. For major procedures such as surgeries, the company pays around 20% to 30% of the amount. For minor procedures such as root canals, the company pays 70%-80% of the amount. Most insurance companies do not pay for simple procedures such as teeth-whitening and shaping.

Dental health insurance is necessary. However, there are some reasons why you should get the best dental health insurance:

1.       To avoid expensive dental health care

Dental health care is expensive. On average, people 2-3 visits to a dentist each year - even if they take good care of their teeth and gums. Problems may arise out of nowhere and might result in dental surgeries or other expensive procedures. A good dental insurance company will take care of the most of the sum.

2.       To keep your teeth nice and shiny

Maintaining oral health is important. For this you may require visiting the dentist regularly and to cover these visits a good dental health insurance company will support you. Another benefit would be that you can stay updated on your dental health.

3.       Know before something serious happens

There are a lot of perks in getting the best dental health insurance. Insured members have the opportunity to get checked on a regular basis. In this way they can get rid of any potential disease or risks of infection.

4.      Relief for you

Once you get the best dental health insurance, the company will take care of all the necessary paperwork, it will pay more than a fraction of the expenses and will get you consulted with the best professionals out there. This means that most of your work is already done and there will be fewer worries.

There are numerous plans for dental health insurance. Getting the best out a specific plan is crucial. You can get to visit such professionals which you cannot afford on a regular basis with the help of the best dental health care insurance company.

Please visit our website at www.hillcrestdentistry.com for more information on our services at

Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.

The Difference between a Dental Implant Periodontist and an Oral Surgeon

The Difference between a Dental Implant Periodontist and an Oral Surgeon

A dental implant periodontist and an oral surgeon often provide the same service. They both perform oral procedures but they are linked to two different branches of dentistry. 

Dental Implant Periodontist

A dental implant periodontist is a professional who specializes in periodontology. This is the study of teeth structure, maintenance, repairing and the diseases that can deteriorate your overall oral health. Their role has changed over the course of time as they have specialized in dental implants.

Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon is a specialist when it comes to treating mouth diseases and teeth extraction. They perform specialized dental surgeries which also involve dental implants.

There are some unique differences between a dental implant periodontist and an oral surgeon which are listed and explained below:-

·         There is a major difference in terms of training and qualification for each of the professionals. Oral surgeons are required to complete a normal training program along with a specialized training program. These training programs are after dental school. The whole process takes 8 years plus the extra time for internships. In case of periodontists, the process is a bit shorter. The field requires 7 years in total which includes a three year stay in periodontics residency. Before that a four year period is to be spent in dental school.

·         Periodontists focus more on dental implants and gum diseases while oral surgeons perform a variety of functions that also concern the face, jaw and the mouth. Oral surgeons are not confined to one particular area of treatment while the periodontists are more focused in areas involving periodontology. Some of the procedures carried out by both of these might be similar but the purpose for each of them is different.

·         They both have different methods. An oral surgeon will always make use of surgical methods while a periodontist will make use of both surgical and non-surgical methods. The best example for such situations is the treatment of gum disease.

·         They are specialized in different functions. A dental implant periodontist deals with cosmetic dentistry, periodontal diseases, bone grafting and for the treatment of gum decline in which the hum of the patient swells. An oral surgeon deals with the extraction of wisdom teeth, unequal growth of teeth and injuries concerned to the jaw and the mouth of the patient. There are also other functions for each of these. Both of these professions have similar functions as well such as dental implants and the treatment of gum diseases.

·         There is a difference in preference when it comes to dental implants. Mostly people prefer a dental surgeon rather than a dental implant periodontist. This is because oral surgeons have the ability to perform more functions than the dental implant periodontist and are quicker in the progress.

General principles of each profession are different too because they are two different branches having different ideas regarding each and every procedure. It’s completely up to you to choose the right professional for areas concerning your dental health care.

Please visit our website at www.hillcrestdentistry.com for more information on our services at
Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.

The Benefits of an Emergency Dental Clinic

The Benefits of an Emergency Dental Clinic

Emergency dental service is a treatment-focused, trauma-relief treatment under the care of dental attendees in order to provide relief to a patient from debilitating pain.

At times, a sudden toothache, gum swelling, and a bleeding jaw can cause a need for immediate medical attention.  The condition may get critical if the person meets an accident and subsequently suffers a tooth injury. Here is when emergency dentistry comes into play. An emergency dental clinic ensures an immediate treatment, consequentially protecting you from any permanent damage.  

Considering how detrimental delaying dental treatment can be, there are a plethora of emergency dental clinics that decrease the risk of any permanent dental damage. In order to highlight the significance of such clinics, we have surfaced certain benefits of emergency dentistry.

How Emergency Dental Clinic Saves You

1.     Emergency Care and Treatment

Dental emergencies such as a severe toothache, dental abscess, loss of a dental crown, or any other tooth injury need immediate dental assistance. In this regard, an emergency dental clinic will help you seek an immediate treatment to reduce unbearable tooth pain and discomfort.

2.     Protection from Permanent Dental Damage

Taking an immediate treatment at emergency dental clinics does not only save you from exasperated injuries, broken dentures or swellings, but also protects your teeth from permanent damage as well. Consequentially, these treatments further help you prevent tooth complications from turning into severe dental infections.

3.     Professional Care for all Emergency Cases

Emergency dental clinics do not compromise on quality care, which is important for treating patients under duress. They implement a great amount of professional care, promptly handle patients, and provide appropriate an appropriate diagnosis and streamlined dental treatments.

4.     Flexible Hours to Facilitate Emergencies

Since emergencies may occur at any time, emergency dental clinics operate with modified schedules and a vigilant dental staff to facilitate patients at any hour. Additionally, they offer longer hours to the patients who are suffering from more than one dental problem.

5.     Steer Clear of From Costly Dental Treatments

 Neglecting treatment until it becomes an emergency may aggravate your oral health; consequently leading to investing an extensive amount in your dental treatments.  Not only does it cost you an arm and leg, but often results in extensive and restorative dental procedures with an even enormous sum of money.

How to Prevent Dental Emergency

Preventative measures play an important role in keeping you safe from unexpected catastrophes regardless of the fact it is dental or any other health problem.  Corresponding to this, you can avoid dental emergencies if you take good care of your oral health.  Timely visits to your dentist and following their valuable oral health tips are one way to prevent dental emergencies.

Please visit our website at www.hillcrestdentistry.com for more information on our services at
Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.

Reasons Why Should You Visit a Dental Hygienist More Often

Reasons Why Should You Visit a Dental Hygienist More Often

Dental hygienists are specialists that perform a broad range of tasks ranging from general diagnosis to cleaning teeth to removing small and large deposits from oral cavities. However, these tasks were performed by dentists. But now it is a specialized field in itself.

Most people consider these visits unnecessary and prefer to schedule an appointment with the dentists on encountering teeth or gum problems. Seeing your hygienist on a frequent basis will help you be abreast of how healthy your teeth and whether or not you need any treatments to steer clear of any future complications.

Reasons Why You Should Schedule an Appointment with a Reputable Dental Hygienist

·        Oral Disease Prevention

Pain or bleeding gums are common problems that force you to go to a dentist. However, you can prevent major or minor oral problems via visiting your dental hygienist. He will assist you with oral issues and detect underlying problems combating further damage.

Hygienists do not only spot cavities. They can identify a wide array of oral problems including tooth grinding, TMJ, gum diseases. You can also go to a dental hygienist for screenings of oral cancer.

·        For Deep Cleaning

Spotting oral issues at home is complex. Most of them go unnoticed because they are painless. You may think brushing twice a day and flossing would be enough to maintain a healthy oral regimen. However, removing the buildup of plague is also necessary to sustain oral hygiene which you cannot perform at home.

When you visit a dental hygienist, he will perform an extensive cleaning which involves fluoride application, polishing, plaque and stain removal. The process is essential to keep gums and teeth healthy and germs free.

You can even consult with your hygienist regarding halitosis – a condition where your breath has a consistent, foul odor.

·        Knowledge to Maintain Oral Health

Dental hygienists can provide plenty of knowledge on how you can prevent oral issues. They possess abundant knowledge in this context. For instance, if you don’t know the right technique of flossing, you should consult with the hygienist as improper flossing will not remove food particles completely causing further tooth or gum issues. Your hygienist can demonstrate the right and gentle way of flossing.

·        Can Detect Serious Health Problem

A dental hygienist can spot various underlying health problem as most of them manifest orally. Although he cannot provide treatment for other diseases, he might spot them at the initial level. Some of the changes in dental health can help identify choric diseases such as:

·         The hysterical periodontal disease could be a symptom of cardiovascular disease

·         Severe pocketing of the gums indicate diabetes in most cases

·         Dry mouth, metallic taste, or bad breath often occurs in Kidney disease

·         Stress and anxiety lead to gum infection and periodontal disease

Also the screening performed during the dental examination may detect the factors associated with high blood pressure, asthma, or a thyroid problem. And your dental hygienist can alert you in that case.

Bottom Line

Visiting a dental hygienist can benefit you in numerous ways. Therefore, schedule an appointment immediately and keep oral problems at bay.

Please visit our website at www.hillcrestdentistry.com for more information on our services at

Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.

Change Brought By Orthodontists in Dentistry

Change Brought By Orthodontists in Dentistry

Dental care is a significant part of your overall well-being.  The technological advancement of the dental industry, especially in the past few decades, has brought with it a plethora of choices in oral treatments. This has made it extra tricky to decide the most appropriate treatment for yourself.

To opt for a right treatment, it is important that you have sufficient knowledge to compartmentalize broad fields of dentistry. This includes orthodontics, which is the first acknowledged, specialized discipline within dentistry.  

Where your dentist treats oral health issues like tooth decay, gum diseases, cavities, and extraction, an orthodontist specializes in the orofacial deformities. This specialization requires him to complete a 4-year postgraduate dental program concerning with facial development and other multidisciplinary treatments.

Why Orthodontics? A Professional Perspective

In order to consider orthodontics as a distinction within dentistry, one requires analyzing the existing professional perspectives pertaining to this dental field. Why is there a need to visit an orthodontist instead of a dentist? Orthodontics, within the recent years, has emerged as a dynamic field to solve orofacial deformities, and to correct the dental malocclusion. That may include misaligned teeth, skeletal discrepancies, facial growth, and poor bites.  

These may seem like cosmo-dental problems that can also be treated by a dentist, but an orthodontist has the exclusive knowledge and a relatively an extensive educational specialization. Consequentially, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist on the basis of his dental evaluation.

Dentistry, with the help of orthodontics, has been able to surface a number of modified treatments to diagnose, prevent and treat the problems of jaw and alignments.  In the countable sense of terms, it offers solutions to various dental problems, scaffolding a new direction to dentistry.

Given below are some of the cosmo-dental problems that are commonly treated by orthodontists, so that you can highlight how orthodontics has redefined dentofacial morphology

1.     Occlusion Problem

This refers to the misalignment of the jaw and teeth. This may cause discomfort in biting, chewing, eating and even result in speech impediments

 An orthodontist plans a significant role in modifying the adjustment of teeth by offering advanced orthognathic surgical therapies, tooth reshaping, and dental braces.

2.      Bruxism

Another oral problem that occurs when a person is asleep is Bruxism. Commonly known as tooth grinding, it causes significant damage to the protective enamel covering the teeth.

Orthodontic manipulation can be sought to prevent mouth pain, enamel damage, and general discomfort caused by grinding of teeth.

3.     Protruding Teeth

Norman Kingsley - an American orthodontic has had tremendous contributions regarding protruding teeth – a structural deformity that refers to misalignment of the upper and lower jaw.

He applied extraoral force on the protruding teeth to correct their alignment, and the treatment emerged as a precedent to help orthodontics treat even the most severe tooth prostrations and deformed jaw bones.

4.     Spacing Irregularities in Teeth

Spacing irregularities in your teeth affect your aesthetic profile, often resulting in low self-esteem and even severe anxiety. An orthodontist can apply a special form of cosmetic surgery to help in treating the spacing irregularities in your teeth.  

Orthodontic braces can help you realign your teeth in the desired position, which can be an impactful change for your personality.

Please visit our website at www.hillcrestdentistry.com for more information on our services at
Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.

A Guide to Finding the Best Dental Clinics

A Guide to Finding the Best Dental Clinics

Taking good care of your teeth and dental health has to be your foremost precedence when you aim to maintain the health of your family. No matter if you clean them regularly or avoid items that can be detrimental to your oral health, it is essential to pay a visit to a dentist as a regular routine.

Finding an affordable dental clinic can be equally challenging and daunting –especially if you are a senior citizen and retired. Once you are retired, Medicare does not facilitate you with dental services such as dentures, fillings, and cleanings. For adults, the dental coverage varies broadly and depends on the state dentistry regulations.

It might be overwhelming to choose the best dental clinic with a plethora of dental services around you. Therefore, before you start visiting the certain dentist, doing some groundwork or a survey may help you make the right decision. 

Start by exploring some dental services, and then narrow down your options by comparing what is appropriate and affordable for you. Given below is a guide that you may consider when looking for affordable and best dental clinics.

1.     Payment Options

Once you have refined your search for dental clinic options, it is recommended to choose a clinic that offers most convenient financing options. If you are allowed to use your medical insurance, debit cards, credit card, it is a plus point.  This way, you can conveniently avail dental services if you do not have enough cash in hand.

Additionally, analyzing financial options will benefit you in making monthly installments –especially those dental services that are comparatively exorbitant.

2.     Dental Services

The second most important step is to assess the dental services of your chosen clinic. See if they offer some cost-effective treatments that suit your budget.  

It is vital that you should select a clinic that offers multiple specializations under one roof to save your money.  With this, your dental expert will be able to meet your all dental needs while managing your dental health efficiently. It will also help him determine the best dental solution for your oral health.

3.     Facilities

Choosing an economical dental clinic at the expense of your oral health is not a wise decision. Make sure that you go to a clinic that fulfills the standard criteria of oral hygiene and health facilities even if it is bit expensive.

A good dental clinic is equipped with advanced dental tools and cleaning devices to reduce the risk factor while performing a dental surgery. That it is to say; it is important that you closely examine the facilities being provided in a dental clinic.

     4. Location and Availability

For some, this may not seem significant when it comes to finding a best dental clinic. But choosing dental clinics located in your vicinity greatly matters. It does not only make clinic accessible to you when facing a dental emergency but saves you a whole lot of time as well as the transportation cost.

These are four tips that you can follow when you are searching for the best cheap dental clinics. This will ensure that you get the best prices without compromising on quality while also considering other important factors.

Please visit our website at www.hillcrestdentistry.com for more information on our services at
Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.

5 Tips to Find the Best Cosmetics Dentist in Town

5 Tips to Find the Best Cosmetics Dentist in Town

Your smile enhances your personality which is why consulting a certified cosmetic dentist is highly-recommended. There is no denying that finding a dentist to cater your cosmetic needs seem a time-consuming process. That is also because the American Dental Association hasn’t acknowledged cosmetic dentistry as a separate specialty. However, when searching for a reputed cosmetic dentist, you should conduct an extensive research on his skills, credentials and other factors to avoid inconvenience.  

5 useful tips that will help in finding a cosmetic dentist in town

1.     Training Details

Before scheduling an appointment, you need to learn about his experience and training particularly in cosmetic dentistry. A dentist who has specialized in performing cosmetic procedures is known as a prosthodontist. He is a certified dentist in reconstructive dentistry.

A cosmetic dentist is sometimes a general dentist who has completed an advanced degree in general dentistry with ADA programs. You should look if the dentist has taken additional courses such as LVI in cosmetic dentistry. It will show their level of professionalism and commitment to the field.

2.     Technology and Equipment

Various dentists allow a virtual tour of their clinic or office. It could become a useful way observe what you should expect during the treatment. In your tour to the dentist’s office, make sure to monitor equipment and tools he opts for cosmetic treatment. The cosmetic dentistry procedures require advanced technology such as intraoral camera, dental lasers, digital X-rays, and chairside monitors. Also, you should inspect the level of cleanliness and the sterilization process of the equipment.

3.     Photos of Real Cases

A certified cosmetic dentist is always willing to share his work of success. You need to look at the before-and-after photos of real patients and cases to observe his excellence in the field. You can either find the photos of the final outcome of past clients in his office or you can visit their website. Most dentists have dedicated an entire category on their website where you can find the photos of their successful treatment. If you have not come across proofs like these, it is suggested to continue your research.

4.     Variety of Options

Your dental needs may be distinctive from other patients. There is no doubt that what worked best for a past patient may not benefit you. That is why you need to find out whether the dentist provides a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options or not.

In most cases, some patients might require two different treatments to attain the desired outcome. Thereby, you shouldn’t schedule your appointment until you learn about the vast array of options the dentist provides.

5.     Testimonials and Reviews

You can find testimonials and reviews via search engines. Visiting their website and social media is also helpful when searching for a cosmetic dentist. Most patients prefer to share their experiences online which allow you to take a wise decision.

Bottom Line

With the help of above-mentioned tips, you will successfully find the best cosmetic dentist as per your specific needs.

Please visit our website at www.hillcrestdentistry.com for more information on our services at

Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.

5 Major Differences between an Endodontist and a General Dentist

5 Major Differences between an Endodontist 

and a General Dentist

Dentistry is a vast field with many sub-branches in it. It has its branches and specialists. The general dentist will take care of most of your dentistry need but may refer you to a specialist if the problem requires special attention. Some common ones that you might have heard of may include a pediatric dentist who takes care of the oral health of children or an orthodontist, who has received specialized training in dealing with the irregularities in teeth. A periodontist specializes in taking care of the gum while an endodontist has thorough training in root canal therapy.

The general dentist and endodontist work together on patients who need root canal therapy. They treat different dental tissues. This article focuses on the differences between a general doctor and endodontist. Read on to know why you might have to go to one or the other, and what the basic differences between them are.

1.     Extensive Training

The general dentists are trained to provide the basic dental care to people of all ages. They help to prevent and identify various oral problems and diseases. They have the patient's teeth cleaned and prepare the tooth for root canals and may even provide follow up work after the therapy. A part of their job is to make sure that the patient receives general education on oral care and hygiene, along with fitting patients for crowns and bridges whereas the endodontist studies a couple of extra years to be specially trained.

2.     Comprehensive Oral Care

The endodontist, on the other hand, has extensive knowledge of the dental nerves and the pulp of your teeth. They perform therapies that include Root Canal Therapy, Root Canal Re-Treatment and Endodontic Surgery or an Apicoectomy.

3.     Experience and Efficiency

The main difference between these two is between the experience and efficiency. Because endodontists receive specialized training in dealing with all things related to the pulp of your teeth, they have a lot more experience in this area than a general dentist. And this means that they are more adept at dealing with problems that occur along the way. It also means that they are capable of doing the task efficiently as they have a lot of experience.

4.     Technology

The general doctor may not have the specialized technology that the endodontist has. That's because they do not get to deal with complicated issues every day. That is not the case with endodontists as they employ operating microscopes and digital imaging, along with another state of the art technology. These also include ultrasonic instrumentation and fiber optics so that the process is quick and comfortable for the patients.

5.     Saving Teeth

The main goal of the endodontist is to save the teeth. A root canal is a very complex procedure that aims to get rid of the bacteria inside a dead tooth so that the infection does not spread. The only other alternative to the process is pulling the tooth out, which most people want to avoid. With their experience and thorough knowledge, they are the appropriate choice when it comes to saving your teeth.

Please visit our website at www.hillcrestdentistry.com for more information on our services at
Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.