When dental problems come up, it isn’t always clear who you should see. Should you schedule a visit with your regular dentist, or is an orthodontist the right choice? Is an orthodontist a dentist with a specialty, or do they perform separate roles? Understanding the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist can save you time and ensure you get the right care.
Is An Orthodontist the Same As a Dentist?
An orthodontist isn’t the same as a dentist. Dentists are general providers who handle a wide range of dental concerns, from checkups to fillings. Orthodontists, on the other hand, focus on the position of the teeth and jaw. They help with issues like crooked teeth, overbites, or crowded smiles.
All orthodontists start as dentists, but not all dentists become orthodontists. Orthodontists go through years of extra training to specialize in bite and alignment.
What Is the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?
Dentists complete dental school, which gives them a foundation in diagnosing and treating common oral health needs. Some go on to pursue further study, but most focus on everyday care like cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and treating gum disease.
Orthodontists also attend dental school but then complete an additional 2–3 years of residency focused only on tooth movement and jaw development. That extra training prepares them to handle complex alignment issues that general dentists usually refer out.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
What orthodontists do is improve the way teeth and jaws fit together, creating a healthier bite and a more confident smile. Common treatments include:
- Straighten Teeth: Orthodontists use braces and aligner systems like Invisalign to gradually move teeth into the correct position.
- Fix Bite Issues: An orthodontist addresses problems like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
- Correct Jaw Alignment: They correct issues with jaw positioning that can lead to problems with chewing or speaking.
These treatments don’t just change appearance. Proper alignment makes chewing easier, helps prevent uneven tooth wear, and can even reduce strain on the jaw joints.
What Does a Dentist Do?
Dentists help with everyday oral care. They focus on keeping your teeth and gums healthy so problems don’t turn into bigger issues later. A dentist typically does the following:
- Fill Cavities: Dentists treat cavities by cleaning out decayed parts of the tooth and filling them to prevent further damage.
- Provide Preventive Exams: Dentists offer exams and x-rays to catch problems early, ensuring ongoing dental health.
- Treat Gum Disease: Dentists treat and manage gum disease, offering cleanings, treatments, and advice to keep gums healthy.
- Extract Teeth: Dentists will remove teeth that are too damaged or crowded to save.
- Perform Root Canals: When a tooth becomes infected, dentists may perform root canals to save the tooth.
In short, dentists cover the wide range of needs most people face throughout life. They are often the first to notice alignment concerns and will refer you to an orthodontist if necessary.
Can a Dentist Also Be an Orthodontist at the Same Time?
You can’t specialize in orthodontics without first completing dental school, so technically, every orthodontist starts out as a dentist. But that doesn’t mean an orthodontist will fill your cavities or provide cleanings. Instead, orthodontists refer patients back to their general dentist for those treatments so they can concentrate on braces, aligners, and other orthodontic work.
That said, general dentists are legally allowed to provide some orthodontic services (clear aligners are a common example) if they’ve had the proper training. Ideally, you’ll want to find a board-certified orthodontist to help you straighten your teeth, since certification shows they’ve gone beyond the required training to demonstrate the highest level of skill and expertise in their field.
Need an Orthodontist in the East Valley?
If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Florence, Gilbert, or anywhere around the East Valley, Peterson Family Orthodontics focuses on helping families achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality care in a family-friendly, comfortable environment.
Whether you’re looking for braces for your child, teenager, or yourself, Peterson Family Orthodontics is here to help guide you through the treatment process. Schedule a free consultation today at one of our offices in Queen Creek, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, or San Tan Valley. You’ll leave with a clear plan, expert guidance, and the confidence that your smile is in great hands.