Choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist can be confusing, especially when it comes to your child’s smile. Both are key players in oral healthcare, but they focus on different areas of dental medicine. If you’re a Calgary mom wondering who to visit for crooked teeth or routine dental cleanings, this guide is just for you.
Let’s walk through orthodontist vs dentist so you know exactly where to go for your family’s dental health needs.
What Do Dentists and Orthodontists Have in Common?
Dentists and orthodontists both work to improve overall dental health. They help keep your teeth healthy and play a role in identifying and treating oral health issues. Both complete dental school and earn a general dental degree.
When it comes to treating gum disease, checking for tooth decay, or maintaining dental hygiene, general dentists are focused on supporting your family’s oral health journey. When the position of teeth or the bite is a concern – functionally or esthetically – an orthodontist is your go-to.
What Is a Dentist?
A general dentist is your go-to for everyday dental needs. They handle routine dental cleanings, tooth repair, and common procedures like fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, and teeth whitening. Dentists cover a broad medical specialty within dental medicine, treating issues like mild gum disease, tooth decay, and missing teeth.
Dentists help manage oral health by offering preventive and restorative care. You should visit your dental office regularly to stay ahead of problems and keep those pearly whites in great shape.
What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who continues on to complete extra orthodontic training – 3 years of additional schooling – making them a certified orthodontic specialist. Orthodontists specialize in tooth and jaw alignment, focusing on how teeth fit together and how your child’s facial growth affects their bite.
They offer orthodontic treatment using orthodontic appliances like traditional braces, clear aligners, and retainers to correct misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, and jaw issues. They also help with breathing and airway management, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ), and even recommend jaw surgery for more severe alignment concerns.
Education and Training: Orthodontist vs. Dentist
Here’s where the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist becomes clear.
A general dentist earns a dental degree after 4 years of dental school.
An orthodontist continues with 2–3 additional years of orthodontic training through a residency program in dental specialty focused on orthodontic services.
Only licensed orthodontists can legally call themselves specialists in orthodontics. This extra training gives them a deeper understanding of jaw alignment, dental development, and how to correct complex issues like uncomfortable bites, or crooked teeth.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | Dentist | Orthodontist |
|---|---|---|
Focus Area | General oral health | Tooth and jaw alignment |
Education | Dental school | Dental school + orthodontic training |
Services | Cleanings, fillings, tooth repair, teeth whitening, dental surgery | Braces, aligners, jaw surgery, airway, TMJ treatments |
Tools Used | X-rays, drills, hygiene tools | Brackets, wires, aligners |
Common Issues Treated | Tooth decay, gum disease | Misaligned teeth, bite problems, jaw pain |
Age of Patients | All ages | All ages |
Can Dentists Offer Orthodontic Treatments?
Not all dentists offer orthodontic services, and even if they do, their training in alignment is limited. While some provide clear aligners, they may not recognize more serious alignment problems or treat them as effectively.
For your child’s orthodontic care, seeing a certified orthodontic specialist ensures safer, more effective results – especially for corrective braces, jaw alignment, or advanced orthodontic appliances.
Choosing the Right Provider for Your Needs
Wondering if you should see a dentist and an orthodontist? Here’s a simple guide:
Go to a dentist for cleanings, cavities, and checkups.
Go to an orthodontist for crooked or misaligned teeth, bite problems, or guidance on dental development.
Your general dentist might refer you to an orthodontist for specialized care but you do not require a referral to see an orthodontist. Working together, they help maintain your child’s overall dental health.
FAQs About Orthodontists vs Dentists
Do orthodontists do dental cleanings?
No, orthodontists don’t offer routine cleanings. That’s handled by your general dentist.
Is Invisalign only done by orthodontists?
Not always, but orthodontists have more training for complex cases, which makes them better equipped.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
No. At Impact Orthodontics, you can book a consultation without a referral. The consultation is free for everyone under 20 years old.
How do I know which one to choose - Dentist or Orthodontist?
If it’s about pain, decay, or hygiene, see a dentist. If it’s about alignment or braces, see an orthodontist.
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters Who You See
Understanding the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist is crucial for getting the right treatment. Whether it’s fixing a cavity or straightening crowded teeth, choosing the right expert helps your child’s smile develop correctly. Skipping the specialist can lead to bigger issues down the road.
At Impact Orthodontics, we’re proud to support families across SW and SE Calgary with expert, personalized care. If you’re not sure whether your child needs a dentist or an orthodontist, we’re happy to help you decide.
Click here to book your free consultation – let’s build healthy, confident smiles together!
