Orthodontist vs Dentist: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to taking care of your teeth, many professionals can help you maintain your oral health, but two of the most commonly confused are an orthodontist and a dentist. While both specialists play a crucial role in your dental care, they have distinct focuses, areas of skill, and treatment options. Understanding the key differences between these two professionals can help you determine when to consult with each and ensure you receive the proper care at the right time.

What Does a Dentist Do?

A skilled dentist in Canberra is a general practitioners who focus on the overall health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. They are the first line of defense in preventing and treating oral health problems, from cavities and gum disease to toothaches and infections. They are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of dental issues.

A general dentist can provide a variety of services, including:

Routine Checkups: A top-rated dentist regularly checks for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

Cleanings: Professional teeth cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t remove.

Fillings: When a cavity is found, a dentist will clean and fill the affected tooth to restore its function.

Crowns and Bridges: They can provide crowns for damaged teeth or bridges to replace missing teeth.

Extractions: A dentist removes teeth that are severely decayed or damaged, or in cases like wisdom tooth extraction.

Cosmetic Procedures: They can perform teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding for aesthetic improvements.

An experienced dentist also provides preventive care to ensure you maintain optimal oral health. They educate patients on brushing and flossing techniques, dietary habits, and other practices that can prevent common oral health issues. If a dental problem is beyond the scope of a general dentist, they may refer you to a specialist, such as an orthodontist.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

Orthodontists focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. The main emphasis of an orthodontist’s work is to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, which can lead to a variety of functional and cosmetic problems.

After completing dental school, orthodontists pursue additional training, typically lasting two to three years, to specialize in orthodontics. This extra education equips them to handle complex issues related to tooth alignment and facial development.

Orthodontists offer several services that improve the alignment of teeth and jaws, such as:

Braces: The most common orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth. Braces can be traditional metal, ceramic, or more discreet options, such as lingual or clear aligners.

Invisalign: A modern alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign utilizes clear, removable aligners to shift teeth into place over time gently.

Retainers: After orthodontic treatment, retainers are used to maintain the results and prevent teeth from shifting back.

Palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw in children, creating space for adult teeth and correcting alignment.

Jaw Surgery: In cases where the misalignment is severe, orthodontists may collaborate with oral surgeons to perform jaw surgery, correcting both functional and aesthetic issues.

Orthodontists primarily focus on aligning teeth and jaws for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Misaligned teeth can affect a person’s ability to chew, speak, and maintain good oral hygiene. An orthodontist works to address these concerns while also improving the overall appearance of your smile.

Key Differences Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist

While both a dentist and an orthodontist are doctors of oral health, here are some core differences:

Education & Training: An orthodontist can be considered a dentist, but not every dentist can be considered an orthodontist. Orthodontists complete additional years of specialized training.

Scope of Practice: A dentist provides comprehensive care for general oral health and hygiene. Orthodontists specialize in correcting teeth and jaw alignment.

Tools & Treatments: A dentist uses specialized tools for cleanings, fillings, and crowns, while orthodontists utilize braces, aligners, and retainers to correct dental alignment.

Referrals: They often refer patients to orthodontists when specialized treatment for alignment is required.

When Should You See a Dentist vs. an Orthodontist?

See a Dentist: If you need a routine checkup, tooth cleaning, treatment for cavities, or other general dental issues, a dentist is the professional you need. If your dentist spots any alignment or bite issues, they may refer you to an orthodontist.

See an Orthodontist: If you notice that your teeth are crooked, crowded, or misaligned, or if your bite is off, an experienced orthodontist in Canberra can assess your situation and determine if braces or Invisalign would benefit you. They are also the specialists to determine if jaw problems, such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite, require correction.

In summary, while both an orthodontist and a dentist play critical roles in maintaining oral health, they serve different purposes. A highly skilled dentist provides general care for your teeth and gums, whereas orthodontists focus specifically on the alignment of your teeth and jaws. If you’re looking for routine care or have a dental problem, your dentist is the first person to see. However, if you need specialized treatment for alignment issues or bite correction, an orthodontist is the specialist you should consult. Understanding the difference between these two types of dental professionals will ensure that you seek the right care for your specific needs.