What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

You enter the office of a dentist expecting a routine check-up, but what you’re told is that you must see an orthodontist. Hold on a minute; shouldn’t they be interchangeable? They both work with teeth, they both have a degree in dentistry, and they both want your smile to be great. So then, why the distinction? If you’ve ever been frantically typing “Orthodontist near me” in a hurry to attempt to figure out who exactly you need to visit, you’re not alone. The difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is arguably the most muddled topic in dental health. Let’s break down some basics in a way that works.

The Role of a Dentist: Your Oral Health Guardian

A dentist is your go-to person for overall oral health. Consider them the primary physicians for your gums and teeth. Their duties involve:

• Routine cleaning and checkups – Detecting cavities, gum disease, and oral infection before they develop into serious issues.
• Fillings and repairs – Repairing cavities by dissolving decay and filling the space with durable materials.
• Pulling teeth – Extracting teeth when that becomes the case, especially if the teeth are severely damaged.
• Crowns, bridges, and dentures – Repairing the function and appearance of harmed or missing teeth.
• Root canals – Ending infections deep inside the tooth to prevent it from being removed.
• Preventive care – Providing fluoride treatments, sealants, and guidance on how to ensure good dental hygiene.

Role of an Orthodontist: The Smile Architect

An orthodontist usually only deals with fixing the shape of your teeth and jaw alignment. Their area of specialization includes:

• Braces and aligners – Designing and perfecting orthodontic appliances to shift teeth into place over time.
• Jaw alignment corrections – Fixing bite issues, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
• Retainers – Maintaining teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment is complete.
• Interceptive treatments for kids – Treating alignment problems early to prevent serious issues later on.
• Surgical orthodontics – Working with oral surgeons for treatment requiring jaw surgery.

Orthodontists receive more training than family dentists after dental school. Their extended training program of 2-3 years is focused on tooth alignment and jaw development issues. That is why, if having your teeth straightened is your primary issue, a search for an “Orthodontist near me” will lead you to the right specialist.

Dentist vs. Orthodontist: Who Should You See?

It just depends on what your teeth require. Here’s how you can make up your mind:

• Overall, problems with your oral health? A dentist will fix it.
• Pain, cavities, or gum disease? Schedule an appointment with a dentist.
• Desire straighter teeth or an improved bite? An orthodontist is your best bet.
• Require both care and correction for alignment? You might need a dentist and an orthodontist collaborating.

Most orthodontists are also employed in patient care in collaboration with dentists. After you visit a dentist first and they diagnose that you have alignment problems, they will refer you to an orthodontist for further treatment.

Can a Dentist Provide Orthodontic Treatment?

Technically speaking, some general dentists offer orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. But orthodontists are more trained in this segment of oral care. Orthodontists invest years of additional training to specialize in straightening teeth. Although a dentist can handle simple cases, complex oral care cases are better left to a specialist.

Different Roles, Same Goal

Both orthodontists and dentists are key to having your teeth healthy and beautiful. Dentists are more concerned with overall mouth health, but orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and correcting jaw alignment issues. Knowing who to visit will save you time, money, and frustration.

So the next time you need dental care in Justin, you’ll know exactly who to call. And if your ideal is a picture-perfect smile? That “Orthodontist near me” query might just be the starting point for that confident smile of your dreams.