Dentist vs. Orthodontist: Which Specialist is Best for Your Orthodontic Treatment?

When it comes to improving the alignment of your teeth and achieving a healthy, beautiful smile, the choice between a dentist who offers orthodontic services and a certified orthodontist can be a crucial one. While both professionals are skilled in maintaining oral health, they differ significantly in training, experience, and the range of services they provide. This article will guide you through the key differences between a dentist and an orthodontist, helping you make an informed decision about the best option for your orthodontic care.

The Role of a Dentist

Dentists are the go-to professionals for routine oral care. They focus on overall dental health, including preventative care, diagnosis of dental issues, and treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and tooth extractions. Dentists are vital in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, ensuring that you have a solid foundation for a lifetime of oral well-being.

“A genuine smile comes from the heart, but a healthy smile needs good dental care.” – Wayne Chirisa, Author, Entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker.

Some general dentists offer orthodontic services, such as braces or clear aligners, in addition to routine dental care. This option may be convenient for patients who already have an established relationship with their dentist or for those seeking a more general approach to oral health care.

However, it’s important to note that while a dentist may offer orthodontic services, their primary focus remains general dentistry. Dentists receive basic orthodontic training during dental school, but this training is not as extensive or specialised as that of a certified orthodontist.

Furthermore, there is often confusion in the community as they use terms such as “orthodontic dentist” which really just means they are a dentist who does orthodontic treatment, but do not have any specialist training.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed three additional years of specialised training in orthodontics after earning a dental degree. Orthodontists focus exclusively on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, such as crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and jaw issues. Their expertise goes beyond general dental care to address more complex orthodontic issues. In fact, a blog by Orthodontics Australia describes orthodontists as facial growth and dental development experts.

Certified orthodontists undergo rigorous training that typically three years beyond dental school. During this time, they gain hands-on experience in treating a wide variety of orthodontic cases, using advanced techniques and the latest technology to help patients achieve proper tooth alignment and jaw function.

Orthodontists are experts in using braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances to move teeth and correct jaw misalignments. Their specialised training enables them to handle complex cases and ensure that the treatment not only improves the appearance of your smile but also addresses any underlying functional concerns.

“The size of the orthodontist’s heart has a lot to do with successful treatment.” – Charles H. Tweed, was an American Orthodontist

Key Differences Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist

Understanding the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist can help you make the right choice for your orthodontic care. Here are the main factors to consider:

Training and Expertise

Dentist

A general dentist completes a four-year dental degree and receives basic training in orthodontics as part of their education. Some dentists may take additional courses in orthodontics, but their experience and expertise in this area are limited compared to that of an orthodontist.

Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialised training in orthodontics, three years full time university training, focusing on the alignment of teeth and jaws. This extra training gives them a deeper understanding of complex orthodontic cases and the ability to use advanced treatments to correct misalignments.

Scope of Services

Dentist

General dentists offer a broad range of services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and extractions. They may offer basic orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners, but orthodontics is not their primary focus. Additionally, according to a What Does an Orthodontist Do, dentists have not completed full-time university specialist training to fit braces or oversee other orthodontic treatments.

Orthodontist

Orthodontists specialise exclusively in orthodontic treatments. They handle everything from minor misalignments to complex bite and jaw issues. Orthodontists are skilled in using a variety of orthodontic appliances, such as braces, expanders, and clear aligners, to correct alignment problems.

Complexity of Cases

Dentist

A general dentist can handle straightforward orthodontic cases, such as mild misalignment of teeth. However, for more complex cases involving significant bite problems or jaw issues, a dentist may refer patients to an orthodontist for specialised care.

Orthodontist

Orthodontists are trained to manage complex orthodontic cases, including severe misalignments, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They are also equipped to address jaw growth issues in children and teenagers, ensuring proper alignment as their teeth and jaws develop.

Orthodontic Appliances

Dentist

Dentists may offer basic orthodontic treatments, such as traditional metal braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. However, their knowledge of more advanced orthodontic appliances, such as expanders, twin blocks, or headgear, may be limited.

Orthodontist

Orthodontists are experts in using a wide range of orthodontic appliances, from traditional braces to clear aligners and more specialised devices. Their training enables them to choose the most effective appliance for your specific needs and ensure that it is applied correctly for optimal results.

Follow-Up and Adjustments

Dentist

Dentists can provide basic orthodontic follow-up care and make adjustments to braces or clear aligners. However, they may not have the same level of experience or precision when it comes to fine-tuning orthodontic appliances.

Orthodontist

Regular follow-up appointments with an orthodontist are essential to ensure that your treatment progresses as planned. Orthodontists have the expertise to make precise adjustments to your braces or aligners, ensuring that your teeth move into the correct position and your bite is properly aligned.

When to Choose a Dentist for Orthodontics

In some cases, it may be appropriate to receive orthodontic treatment from your general dentist. This can be a convenient option for patients who already have a trusted relationship with their dentist and are seeking treatment for minor alignment issues. A dentist offering orthodontics may also be a more budget-friendly option for patients who need basic treatment.

If your dentist has experience in orthodontics and you feel comfortable with their expertise, it may be worth considering this option for simple orthodontic needs, such as mild crowding or spacing of teeth.

When to Choose a Certified Orthodontist

For more complex orthodontic issues, it’s always advisable to seek care from a certified orthodontist. Whether you’re dealing with severe misalignments, jaw problems, or significant bite issues, an orthodontist has the specialised training and experience to ensure that your treatment is both effective and efficient.

Orthodontists are also the best choice for children and teenagers who may require growth modification treatments, such as expanders or other appliances, to guide the development of their jaws and teeth. Adults seeking orthodontic treatment can also benefit from an orthodontist’s expertise, particularly if they have complex dental or jaw concerns.

The Long-Term Impact of Choosing the Right Professional

Choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist for your orthodontic care can have a lasting impact on the health and appearance of your smile. While a general dentist may be able to handle simple cases, a certified orthodontist is the best option for achieving optimal results, particularly for more challenging or complex issues.

By choosing an orthodontist, you ensure that your treatment is handled by a professional who specialises in aligning teeth and correcting bite problems. Orthodontists use the latest technology and techniques to provide you with the highest quality of care, ultimately leading to a healthier, more functional smile that can last a lifetime.

When it comes to orthodontic care, the decision between a dentist and a certified orthodontist should be based on the complexity of your case and the level of expertise required. While a dentist may offer basic orthodontic treatments, a certified orthodontist has the specialised training needed to handle more complex cases and deliver optimal results.

By choosing a certified orthodontist, you can be confident that you’re receiving the most advanced, effective, and personalised care for your orthodontic needs. Whether you’re considering braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatments, working with an orthodontist ensures that your smile is in the best possible hands.

For those in need of professional orthodontic care, it’s worth investing in the expertise of a certified orthodontist to achieve the best long-term results for your smile and oral health. Contact our specialist orthodontic team at Ellenbrook Orthodontics to discuss the best treatment options for you or your family. Get started on your journey to a healthier, more aligned smile today!