What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and Orthodontist?

Your teeth are important. A lot. But it’s not always easy to know who to see about a dental problem. Is this the role for your regular dentist? Or do you want a specialist?

This sort of confusion happens all the time. Dentists and orthodontists both work on your mouth, but do very different jobs. Knowing the difference can save you time, money and some unnecessary appointments.

By the time you finish this article, you will know exactly who does what. Next time something feels off with your teeth or bite, you’ll know who to call.

What Does a Dental Practitioner Do?

Think of a dentist as the primary doctor of your mouth. They’re the first line of defense for almost any dental problem you’ll ever have.

Dentists examine your teeth and gums. They clean your teeth, take X-rays and fill cavities. They spot problems early before they grow into something bigger and more painful.

A general dentist also does crowns, some root canals and tooth extractions. They also check for oral cancer during regular visits. That check-up you dread bi-annually? That’s your dentist, looking after your whole mouth.

Here’s an important thing to know: dentists are trained to treat the whole mouth. Gums. Teeth. Jawbone. Soft tissue. All of it. A good dentist will be able to tell right away if something looks off.

Hypothetical: Now suppose Sarah goes in for her routine cleaning. Her dentist spots the beginnings of a small cavity. That very day he fills it. Problem fixed before it became a toothache. That’s the every day magic of a dental professional.

What Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is also a type of dentist. But they didn’t stop there.

Orthodontists must complete many years of additional training after dental school. This specialty training typically lasts about two to three years. It’s all about one thing: how your teeth and jaws fit together.

Crooked teeth are corrected by orthodontists. They correct overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites. Braces, clear aligners, retainers and expanders are used to close spaces, correct crowding and improve jaw alignment.

The important thing is that orthodontics is a proper dental specialty, just as oral surgery or pediatric dentistry are. Dentists don’t do this as a side hustle. That’s a very specialized, highly trained profession.

Let’s imagine that: Max is 10 years old and his front teeth overlap. His dentist had referred him to an orthodontist. For the next two years, braces slowly pull his teeth into alignment. His smile is totally different when he’s 12. That’s the long term change orthodontists make.

Major Differences Between Dentists and Orthodontists

Let’s make this easy to understand.

Training: All orthodontists are dentists first. Then they spend years of specialized study just on the issues of alignment and bite. Not all dentists become orthodontists.

Focus: Dentists look after your entire mouth. Cleanings, fillings, gum health and overall wellbeing. Orthodontists have one specialty: how your teeth and jaws fit together.

Dentists use tools such as drills, fillings, and cleaning instruments. Orthodontists work with braces, expanders, and aligners. Different jobs require different equipment.

Timeline: A dental check-up can last 30 minutes. Braces are typically worn for one to three years, followed by retainers to keep the results. It takes patience.

Overlap: Something people forget: When you have braces, you still need to see the dentist regularly. Dentists keep your teeth clean and cavity free the whole time, orthodontists take care of alignment. You need them to work together.

When to see a dentist

Begin here. Always.

Your first port of call for just about any dental problem you have is your dentist. Toothache? Go to a dentist. Gums that bleed? Go see a dentist. Time for your regular clean? You guessed it, a dentist.

Dentists also act as gate-keepers to specialist care. If they see a bite problem or an alignment issue, they’ll refer you to an orthodontist. You don’t have to decide for yourself which specialist to turn to. They do that for a living.

The general advice is to see a dentist every six months, even if you think there is nothing wrong. Prevention, as always, is better than cure.

When to See an Orthodontist

If your teeth or your jaw don’t fit together properly, you should see an orthodontist.

If your teeth are crowded, have large spaces between them, or your bite feels funny, make an appointment. “Also,jaw pain or difficulty chewing could be a sign of a possible alignment issue that you should have checked out.”

Timing is important here, too. Around age 7 is when orthodontists suggest the first orthodontic visit for children. A mix of baby and adult teeth at that age can be an early sign of bite or jaw problems, which are still easy to fix.

Orthodontics is not just for kids. A crooked smile or an uneven bite can be corrected at any age. Many adults start treatment in their thirties, forties and beyond.

Let’s say Tom is a 35 year old man that has always been self-conscious about his crowded bottom teeth. Finally he makes an appointment with an orthodontist. Six months later he’s wearing clear aligners and no one notices. It was never the barrier he thought it was.

Summary

Dentists and orthodontists care about your smile, but from different perspectives. One is good for your whole mouth, The other is focused on straightening and aligning.

Knowing where to call saves time and confusion. For any general info, go to your dentist. If alignment becomes the issue, let them direct you toward an orthodontist.

Your smile needs the right kind of care at the right time. If something’s been bugging you, a quick chat with your dentist is a good place to start figuring out your next move.