Many people often assume that dentists and orthodontists are the same as they deal with oral health. However, while both professionals aim to improve your oral well-being, they specialize in different areas of dental care. Knowing the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist is essential to ensure you get the best treatment for your needs.
In this article, we’ll break down these differences in a friendly and approachable way, ensuring you leave with a clear understanding of their unique roles.
Who is a Dentist?
A dentist is a physician who treats your oral health as a whole. When it comes to dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and regular cleanings, they are your first port of call. Dentists study all facets of oral health, including diagnosing, treating, and preventing numerous dental issues, as part of their general dentistry degree.
Common Services Provided by Dentists
Dentists give away a wide range of services that cover the essentials of oral health, including:
- Preventive Care: Dentists emphasize prevention through professional cleanings, routine examinations, and instruction on good oral hygiene habits to avoid gum disease and tooth decay.
- Restorative Procedures: When dental issues like cavities, cracked teeth, or damaged fillings arise, a dentist can restore the tooth’s function and appearance with fillings, crowns, and bridges.
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Additionally, dentists can improve the look of your smile with cosmetic bonding, veneers, and teeth whitening.
- Root Canal Treatments: Dentists perform root canal treatments to save teeth with deep infections.
- Extractions: Although dentists try to save natural teeth, they can also perform tooth extractions when necessary.
- Oral Health Education: Dentists emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene at home providing guidance on brushing, flossing, and dietary habits.
In short, dentists focus on the overall health of teeth, gums, and mouth and play a critical role in everyday oral care.
Who is an Orthodontist?
On the other hand, an orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone additional specialized training in orthodontics. Orthodontists focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities in the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Essentially, they are experts in correcting bites, straightening teeth, and ensuring the jaw functions appropriately.
Common Services Provided by Orthodontists
Orthodontists work with corrective procedures, especially about the alignment of teeth and jaws. Some of their significant services consist of the following:
- Braces: Braces are the most popular orthodontic procedure. They straighten teeth and address bite problems. Orthodontists customize braces for every patient, gradually moving teeth into their ideal placements.
- Invisalign and Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are a more contemporary option to traditional braces. They are built to order and fit over your teeth, gradually realigning them. Orthodontic professionals with training design and adjust these aligners.
- Retainers: After braces or clear aligners have worked, retainers help maintain the new position of your teeth. Orthodontists create customized retainers for long-term results.
- Jaw Alignment Issues: Orthodontists treat jaw problems, such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, to guarantee the proper function of the jaw.
- Surgical Orthodontics: In complex cases, orthodontists may collaborate with oral surgeons to perform corrective jaw surgeries that ensure proper alignment and function.
As experts in tooth and bite alignment, orthodontists can enhance the overall quality of life with their practical and cosmetic benefits.
Educational Differences Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist
While both dentists and orthodontists begin their journey in dental school, the paths they follow after that diverge significantly:
- Dentists: After completing a four-year undergraduate program and passing the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), aspiring dentists attend dental school for four years to earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). They can begin practicing general dentistry once they graduate and obtain their license.
- Orthodontists: Orthodontists follow the same initial path, completing dental school. However, after earning their DDS or DMD degree, they pursue an additional two to three years of specialized training in orthodontics. This postgraduate training focuses on tooth movement, the growth and development of the jaw, and correcting misaligned teeth.
The additional training orthodontists receive makes them experts in orthodontics. This allows them to diagnose and treat complex alignment issues beyond the scope of general dentistry, thus adding to the significant difference between an orthodontist and a dentist.
When Should You See a Dentist?
A regular dentist appointment is necessary to keep your mouth healthy. It is recommended that most people visit a dentist for cleanings, exams, and preventive treatment at least twice a year. Among the particular justifications for seeing a dentist are:
- Tooth Pain: If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain in your teeth or gums, a dentist can diagnose and treat the issue, whether it’s a cavity, infection, or other condition.
- Routine Check-ups: Even when everything feels fine, regular check-ups are essential to prevent problems like gum disease and cavities from developing unnoticed.
- Cleanings: Dentists provide professional cleanings that remove tartar and plaque buildup, ensuring your teeth and gums remain healthy.
- Cavities and Tooth Decay: Dentists can treat cavities and restore damaged teeth with fillings or crowns.
If your primary concern is the health of your teeth or gums or you need routine dental care, your first stop should be your dentist.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
Orthodontists are specialists in teeth and jaw alignment, and their services come into play when there are issues related to how your teeth are positioned or jaw functions. Some signs that you should see an orthodontist include:
- Crooked or Crowded Teeth: If your teeth are misaligned, crowded, or have gaps, an orthodontist can straighten them with braces or Invisalign.
- Bite Issues: If you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, an orthodontist can diagnose the problem and offer corrective treatment to ensure your bite functions properly.
- Jaw Pain or Dysfunction: Teeth misalignment can cause jaw pain or lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. An orthodontist can treat the underlying issues and alleviate discomfort.
- Early Childhood Dental Development: Many orthodontic issues can be easily corrected when caught early. If your child’s teeth seem to be growing crooked or have bite issues, it’s a good idea to consult an orthodontist for early intervention.
If your concern is primarily about the appearance of your teeth or jaw-related issues, an orthodontist will be better equipped to handle your treatment.
Can Dentists Perform Orthodontic Procedures?
While general dentists receive some training in orthodontic care during dental school, their expertise is limited compared to that of orthodontists. Some dentists may offer basic orthodontic services, such as fitting retainers or Invisalign, but they usually refer patients to an orthodontist for more complex cases.
Dentists can perform orthodontic procedures to a certain extent, but orthodontists are trained specialists focusing exclusively on teeth alignment and jaw issues. You’re always in better hands with an orthodontist regarding specialized orthodontic treatment.
Working Together for Your Oral Health
Dentists and orthodontists often work together to ensure patients receive comprehensive care. For instance, a dentist might identify an alignment issue during a routine check-up and refer you to an orthodontist for corrective treatment. Once the orthodontist has realigned your teeth or jaw, you’ll continue seeing your dentist for routine care and maintenance.
Both professionals are essential to oral health, and learning about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist will help you get the proper care.
While orthodontists and dentists are dedicated to improving oral health, they do so in different ways. Orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth and fixing bite problems, while dentists offer a broad range of services centered on the general health of teeth and gums. Knowing the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist allows you to make informed decisions about your dental care and ensures you receive the proper treatment for your needs.
Thus, remember the crucial responsibilities played by both specialists the next time you consider your oral health, and make sure to see the appropriate specialist for your particular circumstances!
