Dentist vs. Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?

By Your Health Magazine

You know you need to see a dentist for a check-up and an orthodontist for braces, but do you know why? While both are doctors who specialize in oral health, they focus on very different aspects of your care. Understanding the distinction between a dentist and an orthodontist is key to making sure you see the right professional for your needs.

A simple way to think about it is that all orthodontists are dentists, but only a small percentage of dentists are orthodontists. Think of it like the relationship between a general family doctor and a heart surgeon. You’d see your family doctor for a routine check-up, but you’d be referred to the surgeon for a specific, complex heart issue. Similarly, your general dentist handles your overall oral health, while an orthodontist is a specialist you see for issues related to tooth and jaw alignment.

This post will break down the key differences in their education, the services they provide, and when you should see one over the other. Knowing who to turn to will help you maintain a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

What is a Dentist?

A general dentist is your primary care provider for oral health. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting your teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw. Think of them as the gatekeepers of your dental wellness. They handle everything from preventive care to restorative treatments, ensuring your mouth stays healthy.

Education and Training

To become a dentist, an individual must complete a demanding educational path. It starts with a bachelor’s degree, followed by graduation from an accredited dental school. This typically involves four years of intensive study and hands-on training, culminating in a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After graduating, they must pass rigorous national and state board exams to become licensed to practice.

Services Provided by a Dentist

Your general dentist offers a comprehensive suite of services aimed at maintaining and restoring your oral health. You’ll visit them for:

Routine Check-ups and Cleanings: Regular exams to check for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Fillings: Repairing teeth that have been damaged by decay.
Crowns and Bridges: Restoring damaged or missing teeth.
Root Canals: Treating infected tooth pulp to save a tooth from extraction.
Tooth Extractions: Removing teeth that are beyond repair.
Gum Disease Treatment: Managing conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis.
Teeth Whitening: Offering cosmetic procedures to brighten your smile.

General dentists are the first line of defense for your oral health. They are the professionals you see for your twice-yearly check-ups and any immediate concerns like a toothache or a chipped tooth.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Their primary goal is to improve a patient’s “occlusion,” or bite. A correct bite ensures the top and bottom teeth fit together properly, which is essential for speaking, chewing, and maintaining oral health.

Education and Training

The journey to becoming an orthodontist is even more specialized. After completing dental school and becoming a licensed dentist, they must enroll in a competitive orthodontic residency program. This additional full-time program lasts two to three years and provides intensive, specialized training focused solely on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

During their residency, orthodontists learn the complex science behind tooth movement and jaw growth. They master the use of braces, aligners, and other appliances to guide teeth into their correct positions. Only after successfully completing this residency and earning a specialty certification can a dentist be called an orthodontist.

Services Provided by an Orthodontist

Orthodontists offer specialized services to correct alignment issues. While some general dentists may offer basic orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, an orthodontist has the advanced training to handle a wider range of complex cases. Services include:

Braces: Using traditional metal or clear braces to straighten teeth.
Invisalign® and Clear Aligners: Offering a discreet alternative to braces for moving teeth.
Palate Expanders: Widening the upper jaw to create more space for crowded teeth.
Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): Correcting severe jaw misalignments in conjunction with an oral surgeon.
Retainers: Providing devices to hold teeth in their new positions after treatment.

Orthodontists like Ellis Orthodontics are experts in creating beautiful, functional smiles by focusing exclusively on tooth and jaw alignment.

Key Differences Summarized

Feature	Dentist	Orthodontist
Primary Focus	Overall oral health, including teeth, gums, and jaw.	Diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws (bite issues).
Education	Bachelor’s degree + 4 years of dental school (DDS/DMD).	Bachelor’s degree + 4 years of dental school + 2-3 years of orthodontic residency.
Common Services	Cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, tooth whitening.	Braces, Invisalign®, retainers, jaw alignment, treatment for overcrowding.
Scope of Practice	Broad; treats a wide variety of oral health issues.	Specialized; focuses exclusively on tooth and jaw alignment.

When to See a Dentist vs. an Orthodontist

So, how do you know which professional to book an appointment with? Here’s a simple guide:

See your dentist for:

Routine six-month check-ups and cleanings.
Tooth pain, sensitivity, or a suspected cavity.
Bleeding or swollen gums.
A broken, chipped, or knocked-out tooth.
Questions about your overall oral hygiene.

See your orthodontist for:

Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth.
Gaps between your teeth.
An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.
Difficulty chewing or biting.
Jaw pain or clicking sounds.

Often, your general dentist will be the first to spot an issue that requires an orthodontist’s attention and will provide a referral. However, a referral is not always necessary. If you have concerns about your smile’s alignment, you can schedule a consultation directly with an orthodontist.

Your Partners in Oral Health

Both dentists and orthodontists are essential for achieving and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. While your dentist manages your overall oral wellness, an orthodontist provides the specialized care needed to straighten your teeth and align your jaw. They often work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all of your needs.

Regular visits to your dentist will keep your teeth and gums healthy, while a consultation with an orthodontist can help you achieve the straight, confident smile you’ve always wanted. If you’re concerned about your bite or the alignment of your teeth, take the next step and schedule a visit with a specialist to explore your options.