Today, we have a guest post from a friend and fellow Papillion orthodontist, Dr. Nathan Hawley, of Hawley Orthodontics. Dr. Hawley will be sharing his knowledge of the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist.
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we believe that understanding the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist is essential for making informed decisions about your oral health care. Both dental professionals play a crucial role in keeping your teeth healthy, but their expertise and treatment focus differ significantly.
If you’ve ever wondered why your dentist doesn’t provide braces or why orthodontic treatment requires a specialist, this guide will clarify the key differences between orthodontists and dentists.
Understanding the Roles: Orthodontist vs. Dentist
The difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist is similar to that between a general physician and a medical specialist. While both are trained in dental medicine, their areas of expertise and the treatments they offer vary significantly.
What Does a General Dentist Do?
A general dentist is a dental specialist who focuses on maintaining overall oral health through preventive and restorative care. They are trained to diagnose and treat common dental problems, such as tooth decay, mild gum disease, and missing teeth. General dentists complete four years of dental school and earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
Primary Responsibilities of a General Dentist:
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Performing routine dental cleanings and exams to maintain oral health.
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Treating tooth decay with fillings and crowns.
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Addressing gum disease and other oral infections.
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Providing dental surgery such as extractions.
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Placing dental implants to replace missing teeth.
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Educating patients on oral hygiene and proper care.
While dentists complete extensive training in general oral health, they do not specialize in teeth alignment, correcting bites, or jaw growth issues.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist trained to diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities such as crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and jaw pain. After completing dental school, orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of specialty training focused solely on teeth alignment and orthodontic care.
Primary Responsibilities of an Orthodontist:
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Straightening teeth with traditional braces and clear aligners.
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Correcting jaw misalignment and bite issues.
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Treating overcrowded or crooked teeth to improve oral function.
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Providing orthodontic services such as retainers to maintain results.
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Preventing long-term dental problems caused by misaligned teeth.
Not all dentists are orthodontists, but all orthodontists are dentists. Orthodontists specialize in treatment options that focus on aligning teeth and correcting bite issues, making them the go-to experts for orthodontic treatment.
Key Differences Between Dentists and Orthodontists
|
Feature |
Dentist |
Orthodontist |
|---|---|---|
|
Education |
4 years of dental school (DDS/DMD) |
Additional 2-3 years of orthodontic residency |
|
Focus |
General oral health, treating cavities, gum disease |
Straightening teeth, correcting bites, jaw alignment |
|
Common Treatments |
Fillings, root canals, cleanings, extractions |
Braces, Invisalign, retainers, jaw realignment |
|
Orthodontic Training |
Basic knowledge, may offer clear aligners |
Specializes in orthodontic care, all forms of braces |
|
Who Needs to See One? |
Everyone for general care |
Patients with misaligned teeth or bite issues |
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
While regular visits to a general dentist are necessary for maintaining overall oral health, patients with misaligned teeth, bite problems, or jaw pain should see an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist by age seven, even if they still have baby teeth. Early intervention allows orthodontists to monitor jaw growth and teeth alignment, ensuring a smoother transition into adult teeth.
Signs You Should Visit an Orthodontist:
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Crooked teeth that make brushing and flossing difficult.
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Jaw pain or difficulty chewing due to misalignment.
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Crowding or spacing issues with teeth.
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Overbites, underbites, or crossbites affecting bite function.
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Speech issues related to tooth positioning.
Even adult patients can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Whether it’s traditional braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign, orthodontists offer treatment options that can significantly improve dental health and function.
Can a Dentist Provide Orthodontic Care?
While some general dentists offer basic orthodontic services, such as clear aligners, they do not have the specialized training that orthodontists complete. Orthodontic problems require precise movement of the teeth and jaw, which is best handled by an orthodontist who specializes in these treatments.
Some dentists may refer patients to an orthodontist for complex cases involving severe misalignment, bite correction, or jaw growth concerns. Seeking care from a qualified orthodontist ensures the most effective and long-lasting results.
Why Both Dentists and Orthodontists Are Important
Both dentists and orthodontists play vital roles in dental health. Seeing a dentist regularly helps maintain oral hygiene, prevent tooth decay, and address gum disease, while orthodontic care improves teeth alignment and jaw function.
Together, they help ensure proper oral hygiene, improved oral health, and long-term dental wellness. Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment should continue seeing their general dentist for regular check-ups, dental cleanings, and cavity prevention to maintain healthy teeth throughout the process.
Which One Do You Need?
If you’re wondering whether to visit a general dentist or an orthodontist, consider your dental needs:
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If you need a cleaning, filling, or routine checkup, visit your general dentist.
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If you need to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, or address jaw misalignment, visit an orthodontist.
By understanding the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist, you can make informed decisions about your oral health care.
Trust Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics for Expert Orthodontic Care
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we specialize in providing comprehensive orthodontic care to help patients achieve healthy, properly aligned smiles. Whether you’re looking for braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic services, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment and want to learn more, schedule a free consultation with our Henderson orthodontists today by calling (702) 737-5500 or filling out our contact form. Let us help you achieve a confident, healthy smile!
About Dr. Nathan Hawley
Papillon, NE Orthodontist, Dr. Nathan Hawley was born and raised in sunny California and has always had a love for football, a good BBQ and the great outdoors. He is dedicated to providing his Omaha area patients with personalized, high-quality care in a fun atmosphere. He relies on advanced technology, his extensive training and knowledge and an amazing team to achieve fantastic results.
