Dentists and Orthodontists: What’s the Difference?
While both dentists and orthodontists are dental professionals who work to improve oral health, they have different areas of specialization and focus on different aspects of dental care. Here are the key differences between dentists and orthodontists:
- Education and Training: Both dentists and orthodontists start by obtaining a dental degree (Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine) after completing undergraduate studies. After dental school, orthodontists undergo additional specialized training in orthodontics through a residency program, typically lasting 2-3 years.
- Scope of Practice: Dentists have a broad scope of practice and provide general dental care to patients of all ages. They diagnose and treat various oral health issues, perform routine cleanings, fill cavities, perform extractions, and offer preventive care. Dentists also refer patients to specialists, including orthodontists, when specialized treatment is needed.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. They focus primarily on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws to improve the bite, alignment, and overall aesthetics of the smile. Orthodontists commonly use appliances like braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other devices to straighten teeth and align the jaws.
- Treatment Planning: Dentists evaluate overall oral health and provide comprehensive dental care, including addressing issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. Orthodontists, on the other hand, assess and diagnose dental and facial irregularities specifically related to tooth and jaw alignment. They develop treatment plans tailored to individual patients’ needs, aiming to achieve proper alignment and bite function.
- Collaboration: Dentists and orthodontists often collaborate to ensure comprehensive dental care for patients. Dentists may refer patients to orthodontists when orthodontic treatment is necessary, and orthodontists may refer patients back to dentists for routine check-ups, cleanings, and other general dental procedures.
It’s worth noting that some dentists may offer orthodontic treatments, especially for mild cases, using techniques like clear aligners. However, for complex orthodontic issues, it’s generally recommended to seek treatment from a specialist orthodontist who has undergone specialized training in this field.
