Dentist vs. Orthodontist — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on November 26, 2024
Dentists provide general oral healthcare, while orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and jaws, often using braces or aligners.
Difference Between Dentist and Orthodontist
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dentists are healthcare professionals responsible for diagnosing and treating general oral health issues, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Their practice encompasses a broad range of dental care, from routine checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures like root canals and extractions. Orthodontists, on the other hand, are dentists who have undergone additional specialized training to focus on correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaws. Their work primarily involves diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.
While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists complete an additional 2-3 years of specialized education beyond dental school to focus on their field. This specialized training equips them with the skills to use devices such as braces, clear aligners, and other corrective appliances to straighten teeth and correct bite problems.
General dentists often refer patients to orthodontists when they identify issues that require specialized orthodontic treatment. However, dentists also provide essential preventive care and maintenance for overall oral health, including treating cavities, performing cleanings, and managing gum care, which are not typically the focus of orthodontists.
Choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist depends on the specific oral health needs of an individual. For routine dental care, cleanings, and basic oral health issues, a dentist is the appropriate choice. For issues related to the alignment of teeth and jaws, an orthodontist will provide the specialized care needed.
Both professions are crucial for maintaining oral health, but their areas of expertise and the nature of the treatments they provide differ significantly. Understanding these differences helps patients seek the right type of dental professional for their specific needs.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Broad, covering general oral health.
Specialized in correcting teeth and jaw alignment.
Training
Dental school plus residency.
Additional 2-3 years of specialization after dental school.
Treatments
Cleanings, fillings, crowns, gum care, etc.
Braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances.
Referrals
May refer patients to specialists, including orthodontists.
Usually receives referrals from dentists for specialized treatment.
Focus
General oral health and maintenance.
Diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities.
Compare with Definitions
Dentist
A healthcare professional specializing in oral health, offering a wide range of treatments from preventive care to complex procedures.
The dentist diagnosed her with a cavity and filled it during the same visit.
Orthodontist
While focused on orthodontics, also advises on maintaining oral health with orthodontic appliances in place.
The orthodontist provided tips on oral hygiene practices to maintain healthy teeth and gums while wearing braces.
Dentist
Completes dental school and residency, providing a broad foundation in all aspects of oral healthcare.
After dental school, he completed a residency in general dentistry to enhance his skills.
Orthodontist
A dental specialist focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misalignments of the teeth and jaws.
The orthodontist recommended braces to correct his overbite and align his teeth properly.
Dentist
Addresses overall oral health, including teeth, gums, and mouth, performing a variety of procedures.
The dentist provided a comprehensive oral exam, cleaned her teeth, and offered advice on gum care.
Orthodontist
Specializes in treatments aimed at aligning teeth and correcting bite issues, primarily using braces and aligners.
The orthodontist developed a treatment plan that included clear aligners to straighten her teeth discreetly.
Dentist
May identify orthodontic issues during routine exams and refer patients to orthodontists for specialized treatment.
The dentist noticed her misaligned teeth during a routine visit and referred her to an orthodontist for further evaluation.
Orthodontist
Primarily uses braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other devices to correct orthodontic issues.
To treat his crowded teeth, the orthodontist fitted him with custom braces designed to gradually move his teeth into place.
Dentist
Includes cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, and preventive education.
During the checkup, the dentist discovered a small cavity and recommended a filling to prevent further decay.
Orthodontist
Completes dental school followed by 2-3 years of specialized training in orthodontics.
After earning her dental degree, she pursued an additional three years of specialized training in orthodontics.
Dentist
A person who is trained and licensed to practice dentistry.
Orthodontist
(used with a sing. verb) The dental specialty dealing with correction of irregularities of the teeth, such as malocclusion, often by the use of braces.
Dentist
A medical doctor who specializes in dentistry.
Orthodontist
An orthodontic dentist
Dentist
One whose business it is to clean, extract, or repair natural teeth, and to make and insert artificial ones; a dental surgeon.
Orthodontist
A dentist specializing in the prevention or correction of irregularities of the teeth; one specializing in orthodontics.
Dentist
A person qualified to practice dentistry
Orthodontist
A dentist specializing in the prevention or correction of irregularities of the teeth
Common Curiosities
Can orthodontists perform dental procedures like fillings or extractions?
While orthodontists are trained dentists, they typically focus on orthodontic treatments and may refer patients back to their dentist for general dental care.
How do I know if I need to see an orthodontist?
If you have concerns about the alignment of your teeth or jaw, a consultation with an orthodontist can determine if treatment is necessary.
How often should I visit a dentist if I'm undergoing orthodontic treatment?
Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment, to ensure the health of teeth and gums.
Are orthodontic treatments only for children?
Orthodontic treatments are available for patients of all ages, including adults seeking to improve their smile and oral health.
Can a dentist perform orthodontic treatments?
Some general dentists may offer basic orthodontic treatments, but complex cases are typically referred to an orthodontist.
Do I need a referral from a dentist to see an orthodontist?
While a referral can be helpful, especially for insurance purposes, many orthodontists accept patients without a direct referral.
What's the best age to visit an orthodontist for the first time?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by age 7 to identify any early issues.
Can orthodontic issues reoccur after treatment?
There's a possibility of relapse if retainers aren't worn as advised post-treatment, leading to teeth gradually shifting back.
How do I maintain oral hygiene with braces?
Maintaining oral hygiene with braces involves regular brushing, flossing with special tools like floss threaders, and routine check-ups.
What's the difference between a cosmetic dentist and an orthodontist?
A cosmetic dentist focuses on the aesthetic aspects of teeth, using treatments like veneers and whitening, while an orthodontist specializes in the structural alignment of teeth and jaws.
Is there a difference in cost between seeing a dentist and an orthodontist?
Costs can vary; general dental care might be less expensive than specialized orthodontic treatment, which involves custom devices and longer treatment plans.
Are braces the only option for straightening teeth?
No, there are multiple orthodontic treatment options, including traditional braces, clear aligners, lingual braces, and more, depending on the case.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically last?
Orthodontic treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, with treatments generally ranging from 18 months to 3 years.
Can an orthodontist help with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders?
Orthodontists can help manage some aspects of TMJ disorders, particularly those related to misalignment of the teeth and jaws.
Is it necessary to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment?
Yes, wearing a retainer post-orthodontic treatment is crucial to prevent teeth from gradually returning to their original positions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
