What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.

So, what’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

Orthodontists go through college and dental school and then complete orthodontic school.

After graduating, they spend 2 to 3 years in a special residency program for orthodontics.

There are other key differences between dentists and orthodontists.

This article will look at the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist, the education needed, and the services each provides.

What is a Dentist?

A dentist is a healthcare professional who takes care of issues with your teeth, gums, and mouth.

Most dentists start by getting a degree in pre-dentistry or pre-med before heading off to dental school.

Like all doctors, dentists must complete extensive training before they can be certified.

About 80 percent of dentists work in general dentistry, offering all kinds of services to help keep your mouth healthy:

Regular check-ups and cleanings help prevent dental problems.
Fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures can fix how teeth work and look.
Teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding can improve smiles.
Extractions, root canals, and other surgeries address dental issues.
Dentists teach patients how to keep teeth clean and why regular visits are important.
They can also prescribe medicine for oral health problems, oversee children’s tooth development, and conduct dental X-rays.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a type of dentist who specializes in fixing crooked teeth and jaws.

They go through extra training after dental school, usually by completing a residency in orthodontics.

The main goal of an orthodontist is to improve the way teeth and jaws align for better function and appearance.

Orthodontists do the following:

Diagnose and treat crooked teeth and jaws (malocclusion).
Use traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces to gradually move teeth into the right position.
Provide clear aligners for a more discreet way to straighten teeth.
Use devices after braces to keep teeth in their new positions.
Treat problems like overbites, underbites, and crossbites that can affect oral health and function.
Perform surgery to straighten teeth.
Monitor the growth of jaws and bites in children.

Most orthodontic practices, including City Orthodontics, offer assistance to children, teenagers, and adults alike.

Key Differences Between Dentists and Orthodontists

You probably are already thinking about the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist.

Dentists and orthodontists start with the same basic education, but there are important differences between them that you should know.

Education and Training

The main difference is in their education and training.

While both have a dental degree, orthodontists spend an extra 2-3 years in specialized training focused on orthodontics.

This training gives them advanced skills in aligning teeth and understanding jaw structure.

Scope of Practice

Dentists treat a wide range of dental issues, but orthodontists specialize in the alignment of teeth and jaws.

Dentists can handle general dental care, cleanings, and cavity treatments, but they may refer patients to an orthodontist if specialized alignment treatment is needed.

Treatment Focus

Dentists focus on the overall health of teeth and gums.

They deal with cavities, gum disease, and oral hygiene.

Orthodontists, on the other hand, focus on the structure of the mouth and aligning teeth.

Their treatments aim to improve appearance through proper alignment, which also helps with bite function and long-term dental health.

Should You See an Orthodontist or Dentist?

Think of your dentist as your general doctor for teeth and your orthodontist as a specialist.

Your dentist can help with most common dental problems like tooth pain, decay, and gum disease.

If you have issues like jaw misalignment or crowded teeth, you might need to see an orthodontist.

Keep in mind that it's also a good idea for children to see an orthodontist by age 7 to check for possible braces.

In Summary

Dentists and orthodontists both help keep your mouth healthy, but they focus on different areas.