Orthodontist vs. Dentist: The Quick Difference
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an orthodontist vs. dentist?
A dentist is similar to your family doctor — great for check-ups and filling cavities. An orthodontist is a specialist who has two to three years of additional education, and is an expert in straightening your teeth and choosing the treatment option that’s best for you.
~ American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
The Distinction Between the Specialties
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an orthodontist vs. dentist? Simply put an orthodontist is a dentist that specializes in the alignment of teeth. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Lach started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like other dentists. After dental school, however, Dr. Lach decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and underbites. These are all specializations that dentist do not learn about in depth when getting a DDS.
Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontics (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontics (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontics (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).
Visiting a dentist on a regular schedule for cleanings, fillings, and general oral health checkups is very important. However, it is equally important that you have your child screened by an orthodontist by the age of 7 to ensure you’re his or her jaw has the room to accommodate their incoming teeth and that everything is coming along smoothly. The AAO believes that, “putting off a check-up with an orthodontist until a child has lost all baby teeth could be a disservice. You will have an easier time correcting orthodontic problems if you find them early. A check-up no later than age 7 gives your orthodontist the opportunity to recommend the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time.” Our office offers a complimentary first visit because we understand the importance of early detection.
Deciding Whether You Need An Orthodontist Or A Dentist
If you’re unhappy with your teeth because they are not straight or because you have an obvious overbite or underbite, you want to see our team at Lach Orthodontics.
We can advise you of your options, which may include Invisalign®, retainers or adult braces. Because an orthodontist is also a fully trained dentist, we can also offer complete cosmetic work as well, such as whitening and other smile optimizers. We also offer advanced diagnostics to help you see what your new smile will look like after treatment is complete.
If you are happy with the position and alignment of your teeth but your teeth are stained, cracked or need a serious cleaning, a dentist can handle these concerns.
Problems that go above a dentist’s education and training will likely be referred to an orthodontist. Proper bite alignment helps establish a solid foundation for most treatments your dentist will perform.
While these two specialties are different in education and training, they also go hand-in-hand. Both ensure that your smile is not only properly aligned and beautiful but also healthy.
When it comes to your oral appearance and care, it is important to know when to see an orthodontist vs. dentist, or when both may be necessary for comprehensive treatment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out more about what orthodontics can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an orthodontist different from a dentist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone an additional 2 to 3 years of intensive training to specialize in the area of orthodontics. Getting a master’s degree in orthodontics uniquely qualifies an orthodontist to align your teeth and jaws with the help of braces and aligners.
What does a dentist do?
A general dentist looks after the health of your smile. You should visit them every six months for a cleaning (even during orthodontic treatment), to help you with teeth upkeep.
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist protects the health of your teeth in a completely different way – by aligning them! Straight teeth not only look better aesthetically, they are also easier to keep clean and less prone to injury.
Orthodontists can use their expertise to fix overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, crowding, spacing, and more! They can even assist with TMJ symptoms and other jaw problems.
Should I see a dentist or an orthodontist?
You should see a dentist if:
- It’s time for a six-monthly cleaning
- You feel pain when biting down
- Your teeth are sensitive to heat or cold
- You have bleeding or pain from your gum line
- Your tooth chips or cracks
You should see an orthodontist if:
- You want to improve the appearance of your smile
- You have difficulty chewing, breathing, or speaking
- You have jaw pain and frequent headaches
- You often bite your cheek or lip because of your too angles
- Your teeth are crowded together
- You have a large gap between your teeth