It is possible that you would need the services of both an oral surgeon and an orthodontist. Their services are related but not identical, and both roles support the other when it comes to patient care. Understanding exactly what oral care is needed is the only way to know which is best for you or if you need both.

Orthodontist vs Oral Surgeon: Differences and Similarities

Orthodontics and oral surgery are distinct, specialized areas of dental care that offer different services. They possess different skills and education to support patients in unique ways. However, their services are closely related, and one patient may find they need the services of both doctors for comprehensive treatment.

The Orthodontist’s Role

An orthodontist is a dental professional with specialized and advanced training to treat teeth and jaw deformities. One of the primary services they provide is braces and clear aligners to straighten teeth. However, their expertise also includes correcting bite patterns, improving oral health, preventing future dental issues, adjusting misaligned jaws, and more.[1]

Orthodontist Education and Training

Orthodontists complete dental school, just like a general dentist, but they must also complete an additional program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.[2] Here, they will receive more in-depth training on facial bones, how teeth move, jaw health, and more. Some dentists may be able to prescribe clear aligners or even braces, but they do not have the same expertise or skill as an orthodontist.

Conditions where you may need an orthodontist’s specialized skills:

• Crowded, crooked teeth
• Misaligned jaw
• Overbite/underbite
• TMJ pain

The Oral Surgeon’s Role

An oral surgeon (also known as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or OMS) can diagnose and treat injuries and diseases on the face, mouth, neck, and jaw across both hard and soft tissue. Some of the primary services an OMS may perform include dental implants, reconstructive surgery, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma repair, cosmetic enhancements for the face, and cleft lip or palate surgery.[3]

Oral Surgeon and Training

An oral surgeon also attends dental school, obtaining either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).[4] This degree is followed by a surgical residency for six years to receive additional training in anesthesia and oral pathology. After the proper licensing and certifications are obtained, they will rotate with staff surgeons in the operating room to increase their knowledge and skills. While most dentists can perform tooth extractions or other procedures, they do not have the same expertise or skill as an oral surgeon.

Conditions where you may need an oral surgeon’s specialized skills:

• Corrective jaw surgery
• TMJ disorders that may need surgery,
• Jaw cysts and facial tumors
• For facial or jaw birth defects
• Facial injuries due to trauma

Orthodontist and Oral Surgeon: When You Need Both

Oral surgeons and orthodontists often work together to complete patient care, especially for more complex cases. Some patients with misaligned upper and lower jaw bones that affect how they chew, bite, or speak may require surgical orthodontics.

This is a type of corrective jaw surgery that improves structural issues to ensure a lasting fix. Both the orthodontist and oral surgeon will work closely together to ensure a beautiful smile is the outcome.

Orthodontist vs. Oral Surgeon: Who should I see first?

For most patients, orthodontic treatment will begin first.[5] It’s best for the teeth to be in perfect alignment before surgically altering the upper jaw or lower jaw. Braces, retainers, or aligners may still be applied post-surgery to prevent teeth from gravitating back to their original positions.

Do you need an oral surgeon or an orthodontist for jaw issues?

It depends on the type of jaw issue. If you have TMJ pain but don’t need surgery, an orthodontist may be able to help. If you need to repair a jaw injury after a car accident, an oral surgeon may be the best fit.

How can oral surgery help orthodontic treatment?

Patients who have severe teeth misalignment may also have deeper, more complex jaw issues. These conditions need to be treated in order to prevent additional misalignment from happening again after orthodontic treatment. In many cases, oral surgery is the solution for underlying orthodontic issues. Oral surgeons and orthodontists can work closely together to ensure patients receive comprehensive treatment.

Understanding The Different Types of Dental Care Providers

The dental field is more extensive than most patients realize. There are a number of dental specialties and skilled providers that offer vastly different care for oral and dental health.

• General Dentist: A general dentist is someone who primarily provides preventative care with checkups and cleanings as well as fillings and other basic procedures.
• Orthodontist: An orthodontist is a teeth alignment specialist creating perfect and healthy smiles that patients love.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Oral surgeons specialize in surgical procedures for the mouth, the jaw, the face, and even other parts of the head.
• Pedodontist or Pediatric Dentist: A dentist who specializes in pediatric care is known as a Pedodontist and serves patients from infancy through the teenage years.
• Endodontist: An endodontist focuses primarily on treating the inside of the tooth, including roots, pulp, and nerves. They will perform root canals and other procedures to repair soft tissue and treat tooth pain or infection.
• Periodontist: A periodontist specializes in gum health and treating conditions that exist in the soft tissue, like gum disease and periodontitis.
• Prosthodontist: A prosthodontist designs and fits dental prosthetics to treat dental defects and rehabilitate oral structures. This includes dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and more.
• Oral Pathologist: An oral pathologist specializes in identifying and treating diseases like cancer in the mouth, jaw, and oral tissue.

Talk To Your Orthodontist or Primary Dentist

Don’t guess about the orthodontic or dental care you need. Talk to your primary dentist or orthodontist about your needs. Together, we can come up with a dental treatment plan that leads to a smile you love for the rest of your life.

Schedule a free consultation and learn what type of treatment is best for your needs. We’ll break down the cost of treatment, discuss what your insurance provider covers (if relevant), and help you set up flexible payment options to ensure treatment is as affordable as possible.

Pricing for orthodontic care varies, depending on the type of treatment needed, the complexity of the treatment plan, and other oral health considerations. The best way to determine actual costs for a specific patient is to schedule a free consultation. At Kunik Orthodontics, we ensure every treatment path is made as affordable as possible with flexible payment plans and a positive, stress-free experience.

Orthodontist Prices: How Much Does Treatment Cost?

Misunderstanding the cost of orthodontic care often keeps people from designing a smile they love. Flexible payment plans and affordable solutions greatly reduce the cost and keep orthodontist prices as low as possible, but let’s break down the average cost of treatments such as braces based on several factors, including:

• Type of braces: Patients can choose ceramic braces, clear braces, clear aligners,  or traditional metal braces based on their treatment needs. Each type of braces treatment will vary in total cost. Clear aligners are often less expensive but are not appropriate for every patient.

• Treatment timeline: Some treatment options are completed as quickly as 3-6 months, while others are 1-2 years or more. The timeline will also drive orthodontic treatment costs, with longer timelines requiring more visits and materials.

• Complexity of treatment plan: The aspect of treatment that drives treatment time is how complex the orthodontic issues are. To ensure every patient gets a beautiful smile they love, treatment duration needs to match individual needs.

• Dental insurance plans: Many dental insurance plans don’t cover orthodontic care, but some do. Others offer reimbursement options to help cover some of the costs.

• HSA/FSA funds: These are pre-tax funds set aside for specific purposes, like orthodontic treatment, health care, and dental work.

• Oral health considerations: If there is gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues, patients may require additional dental work before beginning braces treatment. This will add to overall costs and extend the treatment time.

• Retainers: Some braces treatment plans require patients to wear retainers during treatment or after braces are removed. Retainers add some cost to treatment plans, and, in some cases, patients may want to purchase a backup retainer as well.

Orthodontic Prices Breakdown

Based on all the factors and treatment needs listed above, getting braces could cost anywhere from $3,000 – $10,000.[1] The only way to know what it will cost you is with a free initial consultation. At Kunik Orthodontics, we strive to decrease patient costs and offer flexible monthly payment options to ensure everyone gets the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve.

All of our treatment plans are based on a timeline, the shorter the treatment, the lower the cost. For more complex orthodontic issues, timelines are extended, and costs go up.

Understanding Each Type of Treatment Based On Cost

Cost of Clear Aligners / Invisalign

Invisalign braces are clear aligners that fit like a tray and require no brackets. This is an unobtrusive system that’s barely visible to most people and is appropriate for mild to moderate orthodontic issues.

Clear aligner treatment often works quickly, with treatment plans starting at 3 to 6 months, sometimes longer. Invisalign fees are more affordable, starting at roughly $3,000 and ranging to $7,500, depending on timeline. However, this path may not work for all patients.

Cost of Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They’re highly effective, durable, and offer a fully comprehensive solution. Metal brackets are attached to the front of every tooth and are connected by an archwire. Traditional braces aren’t particularly subtle and they gradually move teeth into their natural positions for a beautiful, straight smile.

This type of braces treatment runs in the middle in terms of cost, with the average cost starting at roughly $4,000 and ranging to $9,500, depending on timeline and additional costs. This treatment takes longer to complete than clear aligners, and costs will be higher than standard Invisalign fees.

Clear Braces / Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work similarly to traditional metal braces, but they’re more subtle in appearance. Ceramic brackets are white or clear and don’t stand out as much when you smile. These brackets are less durable but still highly effective. The cost for ceramic braces is slightly higher than conventional braces but falls within the same range.

Hybrid Treatment Plan (Invisalign and Braces)

Hybrid orthodontic treatment blends both traditional braces and Invisalign treatment together. At Kunik Orthodontics, our patients can start with one type of treatment and seamlessly transition into another based on individual needs, progress, and sustainability. The cost of hybrid treatment is customized and must be evaluated at an initial consultation.

Get a Free Consultation to Determine Prices For Your Treatment Plan

Don’t let a lack of clarity about the cost of orthodontic treatment keep you from the beautiful, straighter smile of your dreams. Schedule a free consultation and learn what type of treatment is best for your needs. We’ll break down the cost of treatment, discuss what your insurance provider covers (if relevant), and help you set up flexible payment options to ensure treatment is as affordable as possible.

All of us have unique facial features that make us who we are. This includes the color of our eyes, the position of our nose and mouth, and of course, our smiles.

While we might not think too much about it, the alignment of our upper jaw and the positioning of our teeth can also play a factor in how our face is structured. Because of this, it’s important to get regular dental checkups to make sure that our upper teeth and lower ones are in good condition and positioned correctly.

In some situations, a condition known as an overbite can happen – either at birth or later in life – that may need to be corrected by an orthodontist. Below, we’ll talk a bit more about what an overbite is, some common signs and symptoms you may have developed one, and what can be done to help treat it.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite occurs when there is a misalignment between your upper teeth and lower teeth. In most cases, most people’s upper teeth will slightly overhang the lower teeth when biting down. However, in some cases, the gap between the upper and lower teeth can be larger than 2-4 millimeters. This is when orthodontists will refer to this condition as an overbite, also known as an overjet.

How To Know If You Have One? Signs and Symptoms of an Overbite

At first, having an overbite may not seem to be a big deal – and in many cases, you may not be overly noticeable. However, over time, there may be certain signs that there is a misalignment in your upper jaw and point to needing a trip to an orthodontist sooner rather than later.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of an overbite include:

• Ongoing Jaw Pain – Normal jaw function and alignment puts even amounts of pressure on your top and bottom teeth. However, when there is an issue with the alignment, it can start to put more stress on certain jaw joints. This jaw pain will become more pronounced when opening your mouth to chew or when yawning and usually worsens over time, creating difficulty chewing.
• Signs of Tooth Decay – Most people develop eventually develop a cavity that needs filling. But when you have an overbite, there is a higher likelihood of experiencing rapid tooth decay due to grinding or added pressure to the surface of your teeth. This can eventually lead to severe overbite and could require tooth extraction or even corrective jaw surgery if not properly addressed.
• Gum Disease – When you have an overbite, it can make your upper teeth overlap or lead to crowded teeth along your jawline. This makes it more difficult to remove food particles during brushing or flossing, which can be the main contributor to developing gum diseases like gingivitis.
• Breathing Issues – Although not present in all cases of individuals with an overbite, more serious overbites can contribute to ongoing breathing issues. This is especially present when sleeping, as it can restrict nasal passages and make breathing through your nostrils more difficult.
• Speech Challenges – Depending on the gap between the top and bottom rows of teeth, overbites can cause certain speech problems in individuals. Because of the position of the teeth, saying certain letters or words clearly can be a challenge.

Differences Between Overbite and Underbite

Both overbites and underbites are different malocclusions that affect the alignment of your jaw. In the event of an overbite, your top teeth will extend more than usual past your bottom teeth. An underbite is the same condition but in reverse. Both conditions have similar signs and symptoms and should be evaluated by a dentist or orthodontist to discuss possible treatment solutions.

What Causes an Overbite?

An overbite may not exist at first and can develop over time. In other cases, the condition could be present at birth and will be easy to diagnose on your first dental checkup. Below are some of the common causes of developing an overbite:

Inherited Traits

Your genetics will have a good bearing on whether or not you’re born with or develop an overbite. Even minor misalignments in your jaw can worsen over time and become more pronounced the older you get.

Biting Your Nails

Excessive biting of your nails can put too much pressure on your top and bottom teeth and cause an overbite. This happens when constant pressure on your upper front teeth starts to gradually shift your jawline forward and increase the gap between teeth.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common symptom of certain sleep conditions like apnea. In these situations, individuals unknowingly will grind their teeth excessively while they sleep. When untreated, these conditions can increase tooth decay while also adding too much pressure to the top and bottom jawline and leading to misaligned teeth.

Thumb Sucking

When children suck their thumbs for an extended period of time or are overly dependent on using a pacifier, it can lead to an overbite to developing. The thumb sucking puts increased pressure on the upper and bottom teeth and can eventually cause misalignments in the jaw from occurring.

How is an Overbite Treated?

Once an overbite is identified, the types of treatment recommended will depend on a variety of factors, including age, severity of the overbite, and any other pre-existing conditions. Below are some of the potential overbite treatment options and who they’re most intended for:

Palate Expanders

When children are diagnosed with having an overbite, palate expanders can be used to help gradually make improvements in jaw alignment. These appliances work by widening the upper jaw while creating more space for upper front teeth to grow in the correct position. Typically, a palate expander will be worn for several months and may require periodic adjustments from an orthodontist.

Braces

In many cases, braces may be the recommended treatment option for both children and adults for overbites. Braces will encourage gradual adjustments in both the vertical and horizontal alignment of upper teeth and lower teeth while lessening the gap between both. While traditional braces may be metal or ceramic, there are also transparent options to help provide the same treatment while being less noticeable.

Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners are clear trays used to replace traditional braces to help support various dental imperfections. Each aligner is custom-molded to the individual and is usually a recommended option for mild and moderate overbites. Unlike braces, aligners are removable and typically have less discomfort. However, these solutions will require more user compliance to get the intended benefits.

Retainers

Retainers are alignment devices usually used after an Invisalign treatment or when wearing braces to help maintain the new jaw alignment. While most retainers won’t need to be worn indefinitely, the length of time they’ll be used will depend on each individual and the instructions of an orthodontist.

We had lots of questions for Dr. Kunik who has been perfecting the art of orthodontics for over 30 years. Patients commonly ask about pricing, retainers, Invisalign, and braces. We asked those questions but also the hard-hitting questions about why patients should come to his office and what does he do that differentiates his office from all the others.

Commonly Asked Questions from patients

Do you charge more for Invisalign than braces?

Dr Kunik: “I see Invisalign and braces as tools for orthodontics. At the initial exam we customize a plan for each patient and decide which tool will work best to achieve the goal. Occasionally both tools are needed. Treatment fees are based on difficultly of case, length of case, and required case management and not the tool needed to achieve the goal.”

Do you charge for broken brackets or emergency appointments?

Dr Kunik: “No. Broken brackets happen, and it could be a weak bond to the tooth or something the patient eats but no. It is best to add the bracket back on so we can move forward with treatment.”

What is included when I decide to go to Kunik Orthodontics for my treatment?

Dr. Kunik: “At the initial exam, Beth will review everything included in treatment. Typically, each case includes Dental Monitoring, Invisalign or braces, and 2 sets of retainers at the end. In some cases we require more in office appointments, in this case we prefer to see you in the rather than virtual appointments through Dental Monitoring.”

Do you do veneers or crowns in your office? Are they included in treatment?

Dr. Kunik: “We stick to what we know which is orthodontics. We do not do veneers, cleanings, crowns, fillings, or any general dental work in our office. We can refer you to a great cosmetic dentist if you do not currently have one.”

Why aren’t your prices listed on your website?

Dr Kunik: “There are many variables with fees, so we don’t list them on the website. It would be hard for people reviewing the website to diagnose their bite and figure out their fee. The fees vary depending on an individual’s goals, case management requirements, case complication, and treatment length.”

Why should people choose you for their orthodontist?

Dr Kunik: “My treatment plans and my staff. My job is to set up the proper treatment plan and customize it for each patient and to make sure the goals we set are achieved. It is also my job to train the best staff. My #1 goal in my office is to have employees that care. I hire and keep exceptional people that are caring and incredibly knowledgeable. I train mini-orthodontists. From day one my philosophy has always been that the patients pay their checks and not me.”

Why do you use Dental Monitoring?

Dr. Kunik: “Dental Monitoring is great for virtual appointments, and I am able to keep a close eye on all my patients. It’s biggest benefit is communication. My patients can message with any question and get an answer rather quickly, and I can use the scans to communicate with their dentist, periodontist, or surgeon. It is an incredible tool for evolving and looking forward to the future of orthodontics.”

What are the hidden costs (for patients) in your office?

Dr. Kunik: “The initial fee we give includes your treatment for the prescribed months, Dental Monitoring, in office visits or virtual appointments, and 2 sets of retainers.  There can be other fees due to missing several appointments, noncompliance, lost retainers, teeth shifting due to not wearing retainers. I do my best to be reasonable and fair when these things happen. I offer a discounted retreatment fee and I offer several options when noncompliance becomes an issue. We do have to charge for these occurrences since our office also incurs additional costs.”

How many kids do you have?

Dr. Kunik: “I have 6 kids. My oldest is 28, then I have triplets that are 26, and twins that are 13.”

What is your favorite food?

Dr. Kunik: “Spring rolls with peanut sauce”

What do you order at Starbucks?

Dr. Kunik “Simple and easy, just a soy latte.”

Do you have any pets? And can we see a photo?

Dr. Kunik “Yes I have 2 mini goldendoodles and they are my babies.”

Dr. Kunik is ready to meet you and answer any questions you have about orthodontics or his favorite color. Come meet Dr. Kunik and his staff