Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics has two locations in Florida, one in Panama City Beach and one in Destin. It was established in 1999. Dr. Runnels earned a degree in dental medicine from the University of Alabama. He then undertook training in orthodontics at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Florida Dental Association, and the Florida Association of Orthodontists.
What is the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is actually a type of dentist who specializes in straightening teeth. The American Dental Association recognizes nine specialties, and “orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics” is one of them. “Dentofacial orthopedics” refers to the correcting of facial and jaw abnormalities.
Like all dentists, orthodontists begin their education by attending dental school and earning a degree in dental medicine. While a general dentist may start their practice, the orthodontist undertakes further training that lasts three to five years.
What Types of Braces are Available?
Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics offers the following types of braces:
- Traditional
- Ceramic
- Lingual
- Invisalign®
Traditional braces are the standard metal “railroad tracks” of yore. They are, however, smaller and more comfortable than they were several decades ago. Ceramic braces have wires and brackets that are colored to match the patient’s teeth. They are, thus, much less noticeable than traditional braces.
Lingual braces are metal braces that are attached to the insides of the patient’s teeth. Working with lingual braces requires an orthodontist to undergo extra training. Dr. Runnels has undertaken that training and can, therefore, offer them to clients in Panama City and the surrounding areas.
Invisalign® involves the use of transparent plastic aligners that have the advantage of being removable. The patient can, thus, eat what they want and clean their teeth with much greater ease. They still need to wear their aligners for a set amount of time in order to achieve the desired result.
Why Would an Orthodontist Offer Sports Mouth Guards?
Contact sports and braces don’t mix. Patients who want to remain physically active, therefore, need sports mouth guards. Unfortunately, mass-produced mouth guards fit poorly and can actually damage the braces. The safer and better option is to get custom-made mouth guards from our orthodontist at Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics.
Our clientele at Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics involves people in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach, and Panama City. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Panama City Beach or Destin!
