Key differences between orthodontists vs dentists
When it comes to oral health, the work of an orthodontist is often confused with that of a dentist. Though both operate in maintaining and improving oral health, their areas of expertise are quite different. Dentists are the general practitioners of the dental world, handling treatments that range from cleanings to fillings, while orthodontists deal with issues regarding teeth and jaw alignment.
Education and training
The first, and most important, difference between dentists and orthodontists is the amount of training that they undergo. Both start their careers with four years in dental school. Here, they receive a general education in the basics of dentistry. Upon graduation, these individuals are awarded either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), and they are qualified to practice as general dentists.
But orthodontists must have other specialized training beyond dentistry. After dental school, orthodontists undergo a residency that may take up to two or three additional years. Their additional education and training involve diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws, otherwise known as malocclusions. Orthodontists invest more years in school and develop the needed expertise for complex corrections which other general dentists would not be competent enough to handle.
That additional training is what differentiates orthodontists and allows them to possess the competencies to focus their work on more complex alignment issues that will impact the aesthetics and functionality of the person’s bite.
Scope of practice
Other differences include the scope of practice. Dentists are educated to treat everything from cavities and gum disease to tooth extractions. They also provide preventative care, like cleanings and fluoride treatments, making them the first line of defense against oral health issues. Other cosmetic treatments that some dentists offer include teeth whitening and veneers.
However, orthodontists are specialists who focus on the alignment of teeth and jaws. Their main instruments of practice are braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances that will straighten teeth or rectify misalignment in the jaw. Because their expertise is focused, orthodontists treat cases that may include complex bite issues, overcrowding of teeth, or gaps that need closing.
For example, Sydney orthodontists Glow offers a range of orthodontic treatments aimed at helping people with misalignment problems. People suffering from overbites, underbites, crossbites, and serious spacing problems are commonly treated more effectively by the orthodontist rather than by a dentist.
When to see a dentist
People go to the dentist when they need a check-up or have pain in their teeth. A dentist checks the teeth and gums of the patient for signs of cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Because prevention is included as part of the role of a dentist, he/she cleans the teeth, puts sealants on the teeth, or uses fluoride treatment to prevent decay.
Smaller towns, such as Geraldton for example, seeing your local Geraldton dentist is a great starting point for your overall dental needs. For the most part, dentists are in a much better position to notice larger issues, which include crooked teeth; as such, they often refer patients onto orthodontists when specialist care is required or necessary.
Dentists also play a very important role in the treatment of dental emergencies. From toothaches and broken teeth to sudden swelling, your dentist is the specialist to deal with such acute problems.
When to see an orthodontist
If teeth happen to be misaligned, or if the system of jaw alignment is at fault, it may be time to consult an orthodontist. Though it might be true that dentists can sometimes treat slight misalignments through treatments such as Invisalign or retainers, severe cases are best treated by an orthodontist. First consultations with an orthodontist are most common during a person’s childhood and teenage years because this is when the teeth are still developing.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t only for children. It might also be quite helpful for adults who want to improve their smile or have a problem with a bite. Options include anything from traditional braces to clear aligners, such as Invisalign, that make orthodontic care less invasive than in the past. Whether it is crowded teeth, spacing issues, or jaw misalignment, orthodontists have targeted treatment plans that can help achieve the desired outcome.
These differences are mainly evident in their training, scope of practice, and types of treatment used. Dentists are your go-to professionals for routine dental care and prevention, while orthodontists specialise in the alignment of teeth and jaws. Both play a significant role in achieving a healthy smile, but knowing when to see a dentist and when to see an orthodontist will make all the difference.
