What is the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist? Full Explanation

by Gregoire Le Lanchon

When it comes to dental care, we often hear the term “dentist” and “orthodontist,” two professions that can be confusing for many people. While both of these oral health professionals care for your teeth, they have very different roles and specializations. So, what’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist? This article will help you better understand the nuances between these two professions and guide you to the right specialist for your needs.

What is a Dentist?

A dentist , also known as a dental surgeon, is a health professional who specializes in general dental care. Their role is to ensure the overall health of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, and soft tissues. A general dentist is often the first point of contact for all kinds of oral problems and plays a vital role in preventing oral diseases. Here are some of the main functions of a dentist:

1. Routine and Cleaning Reviews

The dentist performs regular checkups to assess the health of teeth and gums. He or she performs X-rays, professional cleanings, and treats common problems such as cavities or gingivitis.

2. Treatment of Caries

One of the most common roles of the dentist is to treat dental caries, caused by poor oral hygiene or a diet high in sugars. He performs fillings or, in more advanced cases, root canal treatments to save an infected tooth.

3. Tooth Extractions

Severely damaged or infected teeth may need to be extracted. The dentist also performs extractions for other reasons, such as painful or misplaced wisdom teeth.

4. Placement of Crowns, Bridges and Implants

In the case of broken or damaged teeth, a dentist can place dental crowns, bridges or implants to restore the patient's teeth.

5. Oral Hygiene Tips

The dentist also guides his patients on good oral hygiene practices to prevent future problems: brushing techniques, choice of toothpaste, and the importance of flossing.

6. Aesthetic Treatments

The dentist can also perform cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening or the installation of veneers to improve the appearance of the teeth.

In short, the dentist is your go-to specialist for all common dental problems and preventative care, whether it's tooth pain, cleanings, or treatments like fillings and extractions.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed approximately three years of additional training after graduating from dentistry to specialize in tooth alignment and the correction of malocclusions (misalignment of the jaw). Their primary role is to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and jaw alignment problems.

1. Teeth Alignment

The orthodontist's central role is to align misaligned teeth. He uses various techniques and dental appliances, such as braces, invisible aligners (such as Invisalign) or retainers, to correct the position of the teeth. The goal is not only aesthetic, but also functional, because good tooth alignment facilitates chewing and reduces the risk of future dental problems.

2. Correction of Malocclusions

Malocclusions occur when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as a misaligned jaw, extra teeth, or missing teeth. The orthodontist treats these issues to ensure optimal functional alignment of the jaw, which is often necessary to prevent problems such as premature tooth wear or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain.

3. Treatment of Maxillofacial Growth Problems

The orthodontist also intervenes in children and adolescents to correct problems with jaw development. Early treatments, such as palatal expansion appliances, can adjust jaw growth and prevent more serious orthodontic problems in adulthood.

4. Orthodontic Appliances

The orthodontist uses different types of devices to correct dental alignment:

  • Fixed braces : Metal or ceramic braces are often used in adolescents or adults to reposition teeth.
  • Clear aligners : Very popular among adults, these invisible aligners (like Invisalign) are aesthetic alternatives to traditional braces.
  • Retainers : After orthodontic treatment, retainers are used to maintain the new position of the teeth.

Key Differences Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist

Now that you have a clearer idea of ​​the respective roles of these oral health professionals, let's look in detail at the main differences between a dentist and an orthodontist:

1. Training

  • A general dentist completes a five to six year university training to obtain his degree and can then practice. He is trained to treat a wide range of common dental problems.
  • An orthodontist, on the other hand, must first graduate as a dentist before completing an additional three-year specialization in orthodontics. This makes him an expert in aligning teeth and jaws.

2. Area of ​​Competence

  • A general dentist treats everyday oral health issues: cavities, cleanings, gum treatments, extractions, etc.
  • The orthodontist, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the alignment of teeth and jaws, and uses orthodontic appliances to correct these problems.

3. Types of Treatments

  • Dentists provide curative and preventive care: general dental care, diagnosis of oral diseases, cosmetic care, etc.
  • Orthodontists, on the other hand, focus on correcting dental malpositions and malocclusions using orthodontic appliances. Their procedures are often long-term and require regular visits over several months or years.

4. Target Audience

  • The dentist treats patients of all ages for general care.
  • The orthodontist mainly works with children and adolescents, but adults who want to correct the alignment of their teeth can also consult an orthodontist.

When to See a Dentist and When to See an Orthodontist?

When to see a dentist?

You should see a dentist for your routine oral care, such as cleanings, regular checkups, treatment of cavities, tooth infections or gum disease. If you have tooth pain, a broken tooth or any other dental problem, the dentist is the first specialist to consult.

When to consult an orthodontist?

If you have misaligned teeth, jaw problems, or notice that your child's teeth are growing in unevenly, an orthodontist may be the best person to consult. Additionally, if your general dentist detects an orthodontic problem, they will likely refer you to an orthodontist for more specialized treatment.

Conclusion

In short, while dentists and orthodontists both work for the health of your mouth, their areas of expertise differ significantly. A dentist handles all routine dental care, while an orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth and correcting malocclusions. Knowing the difference between these two professionals will help you choose the right specialist for your specific needs.

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