When it comes to oral health, many people struggle to understand the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Both play vital roles in maintaining your teeth and gums, but their expertise, training, and the treatments they offer are very different.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain clearly what sets a dentist apart from an orthodontist, their specific treatments, qualifications, and how to know which one you need.
What is a Dentist?
A dentist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral health issues. They focus on:
- Teeth cleaning
- Cavities and fillings
- Gum disease treatment
- Tooth extractions
- Oral hygiene education
- Preventive dental care
In simple words, a dentist ensures your teeth and gums are healthy.
Main Treatments Offered by Dentists
- Dental check-ups and cleanings
- Fillings and crowns
- Teeth whitening
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth extractions
- Treatment for gum diseases
A dentist is your go-to professional for routine oral care and general dental treatments.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialized type of dentist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. They help improve:
- Bite alignment
- Crooked teeth
- Spacing issues
- Jaw positioning
They’re experts in making sure your teeth are straight and your bite functions properly.
Main Treatments Offered by Orthodontists
- Braces (metal, ceramic, lingual)
- Clear aligners (like Invisalign)
- Retainers
- Jaw correction appliances
- Space maintainers for children
An orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth and correcting jaw misalignment.
Education and Training: Dentist vs. Orthodontist
Understanding the educational path of each helps clarify their difference.
Training of a Dentist
- Bachelor’s degree (usually 4 years)
- Dental school (4 years)
- After completing dental school, they earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
Training of an Orthodontist
- Same basic dental degree as a general dentist
- Additional 2 to 3 years of specialized orthodontic training
- Focused education in tooth movement and jaw alignment
This additional training makes an orthodontist the expert in straightening teeth.
Key Differences Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist
An orthodontist focuses on straightening teeth and correcting jaw alignment using braces, clear aligners, and retainers. A dentist handles general oral health, including cleanings, fillings, gum care, and preventive treatments. Simply put, dentists maintain healthy teeth, while orthodontists specialize in improving how your teeth align and function within your mouth.
Scope of Work
Dentists handle general oral health care.
Orthodontists handle teeth alignment and bite correction.
Treatments Offered
Dentists provide cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, and preventive care.
Orthodontists offer braces, clear aligners, and jaw alignment procedures.
Specialization
Dentists are general oral care providers.
Orthodontists are dental specialists focusing on alignment.
Tools and Equipment
Dentists use tools like drills, scalers, and X-rays for treating teeth and gums.
Orthodontists use braces, wires, retainers, and clear aligners.
When Should You Visit a Dentist?
- Tooth pain or cavities
- Gum disease
- Routine dental cleanings
- Teeth whitening
- Dental fillings
- General oral health check-ups
If you want to maintain healthy teeth and gums, see a dentist.
When Should You Visit an Orthodontist?
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite issues
- Gaps between teeth
- Jaw misalignment
- Crowded teeth
If you want straighter teeth or a corrected bite, visit an orthodontist.
Can Dentists Provide Braces?
In some cases, general dentists may offer simple orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, but complex cases are referred to an orthodontist.
Do Orthodontists Perform Regular Dental Work?
No. Orthodontists focus exclusively on teeth straightening and bite correction. For cleanings, fillings, and routine dental care, you’ll need a general dentist.
Cost of Treatment: Dentist vs. Orthodontist
Dental treatments like fillings, crowns, and cleanings are generally less expensive than orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign.
Orthodontic care usually involves higher costs due to longer treatment periods and specialized procedures.
Can Children Visit Orthodontists?
Yes. It’s recommended that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early evaluation can help guide jaw growth and prevent severe alignment issues later.
Do Adults Need Orthodontists?
Absolutely. Adults can benefit from braces, Invisalign, or other teeth-straightening solutions. Orthodontic treatment is not just for kids and teenagers.
Benefits of Seeing a Dentist
- Prevent oral diseases
- Treat cavities and infections
- Keep your smile healthy
- Maintain overall oral hygiene
Regular visits to a dentist help protect your general oral health.
Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontist
- Correct misaligned teeth
- Improve bite function
- Enhance smile aesthetics
- Boost confidence
An orthodontist ensures your teeth are properly aligned and functional.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
While straight teeth improve appearance, orthodontic treatment also prevents:
- Jaw strain
- Uneven tooth wear
- Speech problems
- Chewing difficulties
Correcting misalignment early can avoid future dental issues.
Choosing Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist
If you need routine care like cleanings, fillings, or extractions – choose a dentist.
If you’re looking to straighten your teeth or fix bite problems – visit an orthodontist.
For total oral health, you may need both professionals at different stages of care.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist is important for your oral health journey. While a dentist ensures your teeth and gums stay healthy, an orthodontist specializes in aligning your teeth and improving your bite.
If you’re in New Jersey and need expert dental care, consult a professional dentist in East Brunswick, NJ, to get the best advice for your smile.
FAQs
Do orthodontists clean teeth like dentists?
No. Orthodontists specialize in teeth alignment. For cleanings, visit a general dentist.
Can a dentist fit braces?
General dentists may offer Invisalign, but for complex cases, braces should be handled by an orthodontist.
Are orthodontists more expensive than dentists?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign generally costs more than routine dental care.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. Adults often visit orthodontists for braces or Invisalign to straighten teeth.
How often should I visit a dentist?
It’s recommended to visit a dentist every six months for check-ups and cleanings.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
It depends on your needs. Invisalign is less visible but may not work for all cases. A professional orthodontist can recommend the best option.
Can a dentist fix crooked teeth?
Only mild cases. Severe misalignment should be treated by an orthodontist.
