Dentist vs Orthodontist

Dentistry is a very broad specialty. There are some similarities between a dentist and an orthodontist in that they help patients improve their oral health. Some people are confused about whom to consult when they have an oral health issue. Remember that “every orthodontist is also a dentist, but not every dentist is an orthodontist”.

So, let’s get on to what and how they are similar and different.

Who Are Dentists and Orthodontists?

Dentists are healthcare professionals, also known as dental surgeons. They specialize in dentistry. Dentistry is the branch of medicine consisting of the study, diagnosis, prevention, treatment of various conditions and diseases in the oral cavity. Generally, they handle the overall dental care including the daily routine checkup.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the straightening of teeth and the alignment of jaws. Orthodontists are trained specialists in orthodontics who have an additional three years of training after dental school. They are someone whose training goes beyond what a dentist does.

How Do Orthodontists Differ From a Dentist?

The biggest difference between an orthodontist and a dentist is in their training and education. Orthodontists take two to three years of more education than a dentist.

A dentist can start work in the field of dentistry after getting a dental certification. An orthodontist has to get two certificates, i.e, dentistry and orthodontics certification as they specialize in orthodontics.

Usually, a dentist takes care of regular checkups, dental cleaning, X-rays, diagnosis, root canal treatments, and other procedures. Orthodontists focus on alignment of the teeth and jaws and also focus on treatments on the abnormalities in the mouth.

Orthodontists have specific and detailed training on being able to detect childhood dental development disorders. An orthodontist is equipped to detect these problems early and be able to act on these problems before they become real problems.

How Are They Similar?

Both the orthodontists and dentists are dentists.

Orthodontists and dentists focus on oral care.  

Both do general dentistry training. But orthodontists prefer orthodontics and general dentistry is left to the dentist.

Whom Should I Visit?

The consultation depends on the oral issue you face. If you have a tooth cavity, gum disease, common dental problems do visit a dentist. For complex misalignment of jaws and teeth visit an orthodontist.

Welcome to Spring Creek Dental Associates for expert consultation. Come visit us at 274 N, Spring Creek Pkwy, Providence, UT 84332. Get in touch with us at (435) 713-0096 for appointments.