Dentists and orthodontists are similar professions with a different specialization. They both go to dental school, but an orthodontist also continues their education with additional training and an orthodontic residency program for addressing teeth and jaw alignment issues. 

These two roles can work in sync to address your overall oral health and support your long-term smile goals. Whether you need to see a dentist vs. orthodontist is based on the type of treatment you need and if there are any other underlying oral health issues that need to be addressed first. 

Dentist vs Orthodontist: Breaking It All Down

Everyone should see a dentist, but not everyone will need to see an orthodontist. The primary difference between orthodontists and dentists is in what they offer in terms of services and the scope of treatment. 

They also pursue slightly different education and training plans, making them qualified for different specialties. They both share the goal of creating a beautiful, healthy smile, but they will approach how this is done very differently. 

Dentist’s Services

General dentistry covers all things related to tooth health, gum health, and preventative care. This is often the first stop for any dental problems or pain. A dentist can diagnose and address most dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and more. When additional services are needed, the dentist will provide a referral to a specialist, like an orthodontist or oral surgeon. 

Common dental treatments include:

• Routine check-ups
• Dental cleanings and oral hygiene
• Toothaches and cavities
• Fillings
• Tooth whitening
• Extractions
• Dental emergencies
• Specialized dental devices (night guards, sports guards, etc.)
• Post-orthodontic care treatment

A Dentist’s Education

A dentist has earned either a DDS degree, Doctor of Dental Surgery, or a DMD, Doctor of Medical Dentistry. The difference is only what university they attended, as the degree requirements are the same. 

Orthodontist’s Services

An orthodontist is a general dentist who has had specialized training to treat teeth misalignment and jaw issues. Braces and clear aligners are one of the primary services offered by orthodontists to straighten teeth and design beautiful smiles. Additional services include correcting bite issues, adjusting jaws that are out of alignment, and preventing other oral health issues.[1]

If you have one or more of the following conditions, you may need to see an orthodontist vs. a dentist:

• Crooked teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Unaligned jaw 
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Pain due to TMJ

An Orthodontist’s Education

All orthodontists start out with the same education as dentists. However, orthodontists also complete additional training in a three or four-year program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation that focuses only on jaw and tooth alignment.[2] They will study and certify to treat any issues with jaw health, facial bones, teeth movement, and more. 

Types of Braces From An Orthodontist

Orthodontists can help with a variety of orthodontic treatment options. 

• • Traditional metal braces: This is the most common treatment path for straightening teeth and addressing jaw alignment issues. Traditional braces are metal brackets attached to each tooth and connected via an arch wire. 
  • Ceramic braces: These are similar to traditional braces but are clear or white and offer a more subtle appearance. 
  • Clear aligners (Invisalign): This type of treatment is a custom-fit clear tray that gradually moves teeth into proper positioning with a more visually appealing look than traditional braces. With aligners, most people can’t tell you’re wearing them. 

• Hybrid orthodontic treatment (braces and aligners): At Kunik Orthodontics, we offer a hybrid approach that lets patients seamlessly transition from one type of orthodontic treatment to another at no additional cost. 

• Retainers: Retainers are essential for post-orthodontic treatment. They help your teeth stay in their new places after braces are off or aligner treatment is completed. 

• Other cosmetic dentistry solutions: Some patients may need additional services like palatal expanders, headgear, space maintainers, jaw surgery, and more. Many orthodontists provide these services and/or work with other dental specialists. 

Can a Dentist Do Orthodontic Care?

It’s true that some dentists can implement clear aligner treatment, but they do not bring the same level of expertise or skill to the table as an orthodontist. This would only be appropriate for mild teeth misalignment with no underlying jaw problems or other issues. For more complex cases, an orthodontic provider is necessary. 

Which Do You Need? Dentist vs. Orthodontist

The type of provider you need will depend on the type of work you need to complete. Most people start with their general dentist and discuss referrals to other specialists, like an orthodontist. 

Routine Dental Work

Conditions and reasons you would see a DDS or DMD include routine check-ups and dental ex-rays, teeth cleanings, basic oral hygiene, addressing tooth pain and cavities, teeth whitening, basic extractions, any tooth losses or other dental emergencies, gum issues, and general dental health issues. They can also identify other health conditions that first appear as oral health issues, like eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune system conditions.[3]

Orthodontic Care and Cosmetic Services

If you want to create a beautiful smile you’ll love for a lifetime, an orthodontist is the right choice. Whether you want to close a gap, eliminate crowding, fix an overbite, or reduce jaw pain, an orthodontist can help. At Kunik Orthodontics, we offer a full range of orthodontic services that support overall oral health care and help you design your best smile. 

You May Need Both

Dentists and orthodontists work together to complete a lifelong treatment plan that keeps your smile healthy, strong, and brilliant for life. A dentist can help you care for your teeth before and after getting braces (and sometimes during), and an orthodontist can help you achieve a straight, beautiful look that leaves an impression. 

Understand The Care You Need and Get The Care You Deserve

Call today to book a free consultation and we can help you determine the best treatment plan for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dentist Vs. Orthodontist