By admin 
Orthodontists and dentists both play a significant role in maintaining oral health, but they do so in different ways. Understanding the difference between these two professions is essential when deciding which professional to see for specific dental issues.
The primary similarity between orthodontists and dentists lies in their foundational education. Both professionals start their careers with a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of dental school. However, after obtaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), an aspiring orthodontist must complete an additional 2-3 years of specialized training.
While general dentistry focuses on overall oral hygiene and treating tooth decay, orthodontics is a specialized field within know the benefits of cosmetic dentistry that addresses teeth and jaw alignment problems. Orthodontists use appliances such as braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, retainers, headgear, and palate expanders to correct issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, gaps between teeth and crowding.
On the other hand, dentists provide services such as cleanings; filling cavities; performing root canals; installing crowns or bridges; diagnosing gum diseases; extracting teeth when necessary; conducting cosmetic procedures like whitening treatments or veneer application. They are essentially doctors who treat anything related to your mouth’s health—gums included—and not just your teeth.
When it comes to choosing between an orthodontist vs dentist for braces or other forms of alignment correction treatment options—a common dilemma faced by many people—it is always advisable to opt for an orthodontist because this is their area of specialization. They have extensive knowledge about moving teeth into proper position safely while considering facial symmetry and growth patterns.
However, this doesn’t mean you should bypass your dentist entirely if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment since regular check-ups with your dentist are still crucial for maintaining good oral health during this period. Your dentist will continue to monitor your overall oral health, while your orthodontist focuses on aligning your teeth and jaw.
In summary, both dentists and orthodontists play crucial roles in oral healthcare. While there is some overlap in the services they provide, their specialties are distinct. Dentists tend to focus more on general dental health and maintenance, while orthodontists specialize in correcting alignment issues with the teeth and jaws. Therefore, understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision about which professional to consult for your specific dental needs.