"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Wu started out in dental school at the University of Pennsylvania and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school, and practicing as a dentist, Dr. Wu decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years completing his orthodontic residency (University of Pittsburgh) and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.
Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).
Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?
--Dr. Eric Wu
