Orthodontist vs Dentist: Key Differences Explained

Read Time: 10 min

In the dentistry career, there are two options: orthodontist and dentist. Today’s article explores the roles and skills of a dentist and an orthodontist. We’ll also walk through the similarities between the roles of an orthodontist vs dentist and offer some useful tips to help you choose the right one.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist with specialized training that allows them to diagnose, prevent, and treat irregularities in a patient’s teeth and gums. They can diagnose dental issues such as misaligned teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, overbite, open bite, overcrowded teeth, gapped teeth, and all kinds of malocclusions. They correct these irregularities using orthodontic appliances such as headgear, braces, palate expanders, aligners, or retainers.

Now the question may arise: 'What can orthodontists do?' Here are the orthodontic services lists they offer:

Comprehensive Orthodontic Examination: Initial evaluation to assess dental and facial alignment, often including diagnostic X-rays.
Braces: Fitting traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces to correct teeth positioning and alignment.
Clear Aligners: Providing clear, removable aligners (such as Invisalign) as an alternative to traditional braces for discreet treatment.
Palatal Expanders: Using devices to widen the upper jaw, creating more space for teeth and improving bite alignment.
Retainers: Designing and fitting retainers to maintain tooth positions after orthodontic treatment.
Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): Collaborating with oral surgeons to correct severe jaw discrepancies that affect bite and alignment.
Facial Asymmetry Treatment: Addressing issues of facial growth caused by misalignments through targeted orthodontic methods.
Space Maintainers: Applying devices to preserve space for teeth that have not erupted yet, commonly used in pediatric cases.
Malocclusion Treatment: Diagnosing and correcting bite problems, which may include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite conditions.
Periodontal Orthodontics: Managing cases where gum disease affects tooth movement and alignment.
Interceptive Orthodontics: Early treatment strategies aimed at guiding the growth of jaws and incoming teeth in children to prevent future problems.
Emergency Orthodontic Care: Providing urgent care for issues with orthodontic appliances, such as broken brackets or loose wires.

Read More: Orthodontics for Teenagers

What Is a Dentist?

Dentists are doctors in dental medicine; they assess patient’s overall oral health condition and determine what procedure they need. They also provide treatments such as crowns, extractions, root canals, and fillings. Here are a list of services they offer:

Preventive Services: These include routine check-ups, professional teeth cleaning, and patient education on oral hygiene practices to prevent dental issues.
Diagnostic Services: Dentists perform examinations, X-rays, and diagnostic tests to identify dental problems and develop treatment plans.
Restorative Services: This category encompasses procedures like dental fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental implants to restore the function and appearance of damaged or missing teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Dentists may offer services such as teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding to enhance the aesthetics of the smile.
Periodontal Treatments: Services aimed at preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases, including scaling and root planning or gum surgery.
Endodontic Treatments: This includes root canal therapy to treat infected or damaged pulp within a tooth.
Oral Surgery: Some dentists perform minor surgical procedures, such as tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal, directly in the office.
Pediatric Dentistry: Dentists may provide specialized care for children, including preventive, restorative, and emergency services tailored to younger patients.
Sedation Dentistry: Offering various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation, to help patients manage anxiety and discomfort during procedures.
Emergency Dental Care: Providing immediate treatment for dental emergencies such as severe tooth pain, broken teeth, or lost fillings.
Dentures and Partials: Fabricating and fitting complete or partial dentures for patients with missing teeth.

Read More: Kid Dental Clinic

Orthodontist vs Dentist: Similarities

Both orthodontists and dentists share a foundational education and a commitment to patient oral health, which forms the cornerstone of their professions. Both dental professionals graduate from dental school, earning either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, and are well-versed in the anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health issues. This educational background equips them to identify and manage a wide range of dental conditions, providing them with a solid understanding of general oral health.

Read More: How Can I Get Invisalign

Despite their specialization, orthodontists and dentists can often work together within a dental practice. An orthodontist can provide general dental care, which includes examinations, cleans, and potentially some treatments related to tooth alignment, mirroring the responsibilities of a general dentist. Furthermore, both types of professionals are driven by the goal of enhancing their patients' oral health and appearance, with orthodontists focusing on bite and teeth alignment and dentists managing overall dental care. This collaborative nature reinforces the interconnectedness of their roles in achieving optimal oral health outcomes for patients.

Let’s discuss other similarities together.

Work Environment

Dentists and orthodontists primarily work in private offices, where the atmosphere can vary from busy, multi-provider setups to smaller, more personalized locations. Approximately 90% of dentists are engaged in delivering care through private practices, often treating patients of diverse demographics. Similarly, orthodontists may work in private practices or collaborate in group practices, often within modern facilities that are equipped with advanced technology to provide optimal patient care.

In both professions, dental practitioners typically enjoy a structured workweek that ranges from part-time to full-time schedules, often involving evening and weekend hours to accommodate patient needs. This flexible scheduling allows both dentists and orthodontists to maintain a work-life balance while also dedicating time for patient consultations, treatment planning, and follow-up care. The demanding nature of their work requires a fast-paced environment to handle multiple patients effectively, reflecting their ability to multitask and prioritize tasks efficiently.

Soft Skills

Successful dental professionals excel in several soft skills that enhance their ability to treat patients effectively. Both dentists and orthodontists require:

Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for both dentistry and orthodontics. Practitioners must convey complex information in understandable terms to patients and their families, ensuring they are informed and comfortable throughout their treatment journey. This includes discussing treatment plans, potential risks, and post-treatment care.
Empathy: Both profession types benefit immensely from empathetic communication. Understanding patient anxiety and concerns can foster trust and improve treatment adherence, leading to better outcomes. An empathetic approach helps practitioners connect with patients on a personal level, which is particularly important as many patients experience fear or discomfort in dental settings.
Patience: Both dentists and orthodontists require patience in dealing with diverse patient needs and the varying complexities of treatments. Handling patients—especially children or those with anxiety—necessitates a calm demeanor to ensure a positive experience.
Attention to Detail: Precision is critical in both fields, whether in performing intricate dental procedures or adjusting orthodontic appliances. A meticulous approach ensures the quality and accuracy of treatment, which significantly impacts patient satisfaction.
Problem-Solving Skills: Dentists and orthodontists face unique challenges with every patient, requiring them to assess situations quickly and determine the best course of action. This involves not only technical knowledge but also the ability to evaluate different treatment options and adapt plans as necessary.

Summary: The work environments and essential soft skills of dentists and orthodontists overlap significantly, emphasizing the importance of patient-centric care across both professions. Their commitment to effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving ensures they provide comprehensive and satisfying care, fostering strong patient relationships and improving overall treatment success. Through these shared traits, both roles aim to promote better oral health and enhance patients' experiences in the dental care process.

Orthodontist vs Dentist: Differences

Now, it’s time to talk about the orthodontist and dentist difference.

Despite similarities between these two role, there are main distinct differences, including:

Advanced education

Orthodontists possess more specialized knowledge than dentists, as they undergo an additional two to three years of training. After obtaining their dental license, orthodontists must enroll in an accredited orthodontic residency program. This program offers students the chance to gain hands-on experience with patients and specialized training in dental orthodontic treatment. The residency typically lasts two or three years. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the National Dental Specialty Examination administered by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada. If they pass successfully, they are qualified to practice as orthodontists in their province or territory.

Responsibilities

Although both dentists and orthodontists provide oral health care, their primary responsibilities and areas of focus differ. Dentists offer more general treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and veneers. In contrast, orthodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating dental misalignments such as crowded teeth, gapped teeth, and all types of bite issues like crossbite, overbite, underbite, and open bite.

Orthodontist vs Dentist: Tips to Choose the Right Role

Choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist depends on your oral health needs and treatment goals. If you're seeking general dental care, such as routine check-ups, fillings, or cosmetic procedures, a dentist is your go-to professional. However, if you require specialized care to address dental misalignments or bite issues, an orthodontist is better suited to guide you through the orthodontic treatment process.

At York Orthodontics, we focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of irregularities using techniques like dental braces services and clear aligners. Our expertise in orthodontic work ensures that patients receive tailored solutions for better alignment, resulting in improved oral health and a more confident smile.

When deciding which professional to consult, consider the complexity of your dental concerns. For example, if you're dealing with a misaligned bite, overcrowded teeth, or gaps, an orthodontist’s specialized training is essential for effective treatment. On the other hand, a dentist can handle general oral health and preventive care. Both professionals play crucial roles in maintaining your dental well-being, so choose the one who best meets your specific needs and goals.

FAQ

What exactly does an orthodontist do?

An orthodontist can diagnose, prevent, and treat jaw and teeth irregularities. They can correct the existing condition using orthodontic appliances such as braces, aligners, and palate expanders, or identify problems that may develop down the road. An orthodontist works with people of all ages, from children to adults, even adults over 50.

Can orthodontists do fillings?

Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating teeth alignment and bite issues, focusing on treatments like braces and clear aligners. While they are trained dentists and can perform fillings, it's not a common part of their daily work. Patients typically go to a general dentist for restorative treatments like fillings.

Why would a dentist refer you to an orthodontist?

A dentist may refer a patient to an orthodontist for issues like misaligned teeth, bite problems (overbites, underbites, crossbites), or crowding and spacing. Referrals are also made when braces or clear aligners are needed or if developmental concerns in children's teeth and jaws are detected. This ensures patients receive specialized care for effective orthodontic treatment.

Do orthodontists do cleanings?

Orthodontists typically do not perform routine dental cleanings. Their primary role is to focus on correcting teeth alignment and bite issues. Patients generally receive cleanings from general dentists or dental hygienists, who specialize in preventive oral care.

Dr. Mir

Dr. Nima Mir, a highly skilled orthodontist at York Orthodontics, provides exceptional care in a friendly, state-of-the-art environment. Holding a B.Sc. (Hon), DDS, MSc, and FRCD(C), Dr. Mir completed his education at prestigious institutions such as USC and the University of Nebraska. He is qualified to practice in both Canada and the U.S. and is a proud member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) national dental honor society. Dedicated to delivering excellence in orthodontic care, Dr. Mir utilizes the latest technology to ensure efficient and comfortable treatment outcomes.
More about Dr. Mir