Are you confused about whether to see a dentist or orthodontist in Calgary? You’re not alone. Many parents and patients struggle to understand the difference between these two dental professionals and when to visit each one.
Both dentists and orthodontists play important roles in your family’s oral health, but they have very different training, specializations, and treatment approaches. Knowing the difference can save you time and ensure you get the right care for your specific dental needs.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about orthodontist vs dentist Calgary, helping you make informed decisions about your family’s dental care.
What Do Dentists and Orthodontists Have in Common?
Before we look at the differences, let’s see what dentists and orthodontists share:
Similar Educational Foundation:
- Both complete a 4-year undergraduate degree
- Both earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree
- Both must pass licensing exams to practice in Alberta
- Both focus on improving oral health and preventing dental problems
Shared Goals:
- Maintain healthy teeth and gums
- Prevent tooth decay and gum disease
- Improve overall oral health
- Work together as a team for comprehensive care
The key difference is that all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.
What Is a General Dentist?
A general dentist is your primary oral healthcare provider. They handle most of your routine dental needs and serve as the first point of contact for dental problems.
What Dentists Do:
- Routine dental cleanings and checkups
- Treat tooth decay and cavities with fillings
- Perform root canal therapy
- Place crowns, bridges, and dental implants
- Treat gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Extract teeth when necessary
- Provide cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and veneers
- Screen for oral cancer
- Offer preventive care and education
When to See a Dentist:
- Every 6 months for routine cleanings and checkups
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Dental emergencies
According to the Canadian Dental Association, children should see a dentist by age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing.
What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses specifically on correcting tooth and jaw alignment problems. They have the same basic dental training as general dentists, plus 2-3 years of additional specialized education.
What Orthodontists Do:
- Diagnose and treat misaligned teeth (crooked teeth)
- Correct bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Address jaw alignment issues
- Treat crowded or widely spaced teeth
- Provide braces (metal, ceramic, lingual)
- Offer clear aligner treatments like Invisalign
- Use specialized appliances (expanders, retainers, headgear)
- Work with oral surgeons for orthognathic (jaw) surgery in severe cases
- Aid in diagnosing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
When to See an Orthodontist:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Bite problems affecting chewing or speech
- Jaw pain or clicking sounds
- Crowded or gaps between teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty cleaning teeth due to alignment issues
- Diagnosis of sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Key Differences: Orthodontist vs Dentist
| Aspect | General Dentist | Orthodontist |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 4 years dental school | 4 years dental school + 2-3 years orthodontic residency |
| Total Training | 8 years after high school | 10-11 years after high school |
| Focus Area | Overall oral health | Tooth and jaw alignment |
| Common Treatments | Cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals | Braces, aligners, bite correction |
| Patient Age | All ages | Primarily children, teens, adults with alignment issues |
| Visit Frequency | Every 6 months | Every 6-20 weeks during active treatment |
| Treatment Duration | Single visit to several months | 1-3 years typically |
Can General Dentists Provide Orthodontic Treatment?
Some general dentists offer limited orthodontic services, particularly clear aligners for minor tooth movement. However, there are important considerations:
Limitations of General Dentist Orthodontics:
- Limited training in complex tooth movement
- May not recognize serious alignment problems
- Less experience with difficult cases
- Cannot provide specialized appliances
Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontic Specialist:
- Extensive training in tooth and jaw alignment
- Experience with complex cases
- Access to full range of orthodontic appliances
- Better long-term results and safety
For significant alignment issues, crooked teeth, or bite problems, seeing a certified orthodontist ensures the safest and most effective treatment.
Common Orthodontic Problems Treated in Calgary
Orthodontists in Calgary commonly treat these alignment issues:
Bite Problems:
- Overbite (upper teeth overlap lower teeth)
- Underbite (lower teeth extend past upper teeth)
- Crossbite (teeth don’t align properly)
- Open bite (teeth don’t meet when mouth is closed)
Tooth Alignment Issues:
- Crowded teeth
- Widely spaced teeth
- Rotated or twisted teeth
- Protruding teeth
Jaw Problems:
- Jaw misalignment
- TMJ disorders
- Facial asymmetry
- Breathing and airway issues
When Do You Need Both Professionals?
Most patients require care from both a dentist and orthodontist:
Before Orthodontic Treatment:
- Dentist treats any cavities or gum disease
- Professional cleaning to ensure healthy starting point
- Tooth extractions if needed for space
During Orthodontic Treatment:
- Continue regular dental cleanings every 3-6 months
- Monitor for cavities and gum disease
- Special cleaning techniques around braces
After Orthodontic Treatment:
- Resume regular dental care schedule
- Monitor teeth for any shifting
- Maintain overall oral health
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Understanding when to see a dentist versus an orthodontist helps you get appropriate care faster and achieve better treatment outcomes.
Quick Decision Guide:
- Pain, decay, or cleaning needs → See your general dentist
- Crooked teeth or bite problems → See an orthodontist
- Routine care and prevention → See your general dentist
- Specialized alignment treatment → See an orthodontist
Remember, many patients benefit from seeing both professionals. Your dentist and orthodontist can work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all your oral health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do orthodontists do dental cleanings? No, orthodontists don’t provide routine cleanings. That’s handled by your general dentist.
Can I see an orthodontist without a referral? Yes, you can book directly with an orthodontist for a consultation.
Is Invisalign only done by orthodontists? Not always, but orthodontists have more training for complex cases, making them better equipped for challenging alignments.
How do I know which professional to choose? If it’s about pain, decay, or hygiene, see a dentist. If it’s about alignment or braces, see an orthodontist.
Why Choose Impact Orthodontics in Calgary?
At Impact Orthodontics, we understand the importance of choosing the right specialist for your family’s needs. Our certified orthodontists provide:
- Comprehensive orthodontic evaluations
- Modern treatment options including Invisalign
- Convenient locations in SW and SE Calgary
- Personalized care for patients of all ages
We work closely with general dentists throughout Calgary to ensure our patients receive complete oral healthcare. Whether you’re dealing with crooked teeth, bite problems, or want to improve your smile, our team is here to help.
Ready to start your orthodontic journey? Contact Impact Orthodontics today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll help determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you and create a personalized plan to achieve your best smile.
