Can Your Dentist Do Braces? My Personal Journey and All You Should Know

Table of Contents

Introduction: That Big Question – Can Your Dentist Do Braces?

If you’re anything like I was before really getting into dental care, you’ve probably wondered, “Can my regular dentist put braces on my teeth?” Trust me, a lot of people ask. My friends and family always bring it up since I’ve spent a lot of time fixing my smile—and helping others do it, too.

Here’s the short answer: Yes, regular dentists can put on braces or help you straighten your teeth in many situations. But, as I found out myself, there’s a bit more to it, and it depends a lot on your unique teeth.

Let me explain what I wish I knew, what happens behind the scenes in something like a dental ceramics lab, and help you choose what’s right for your smile.

Dentist vs. Orthodontist: What I Wish I Knew Earlier

The Training Gap Nobody Mentions

I used to think every dentist could fix crooked teeth, like all doctors can do anything. Turns out, it’s like asking a general doctor to do heart surgery. They both know a lot, but they learn different stuff.

General dentists finish dental school (getting a DDS or DMD degree). They’re taught how to fix cavities, clean teeth, do fillings, and sometimes they learn about braces or aligners if they do extra courses.

Orthodontists? Those are the pros for straightening teeth. After dental school, they train for another 2-3 years, learning all about how teeth and jaws move. They handle braces, aligners, jaw stuff, bite problems, and a lot more.

What really stuck out for me: some dentists are good with little fixes if they keep learning, but only orthodontists know how to handle every type of straightening, even the really tough ones.

So, ask your dentist about what extra training they did for braces. It’s smart, not rude—just like asking your car mechanic if they work on electric vehicles.

What Kind of Braces Do General Dentists Offer?

What I Found Out from Real Life

When my sister asked me if her kid’s dentist could do braces, I did some digging. Here’s what I found from talking to dental pros and working with them:

1. Clear Aligners:

Most dentists who do braces work mostly with see-through aligners—like Invisalign, ClearCorrect, or Byte. These are best for fixing small problems: not-so-crooked teeth, little spaces, or if your teeth slide out of place a bit (what dentists call “relapse”).

2. Little Fixes:

For just a couple of rotated teeth, small gaps, or teeth that overlap a bit, dentists can use aligners or simple appliances. For easy stuff, they’ve got it covered.

3. Early Help for Kids:

Some dentists help kids early on with things like retainers or devices to make sure new teeth come in straight.

4. Regular Braces:

Once in a while, a general dentist puts on metal braces or clear braces—if they’ve taken braces classes. But mostly, they only do easy cases.

What Dentists Don’t Do:

Normally, dentists send tough cases to an orthodontist: stuff like jaw surgery, really bad overbites, big crossbites, or when the jaws don’t line up right.

Real example:

I had a small gap and a slightly turned front tooth. My dentist fixed it fine with clear aligners. But my cousin had a crossbite and needed jaw surgery, so she saw an orthodontist.

What Makes Orthodontists Different? Training & Focus Revealed

The first time I met with an orthodontist, I could really see he knew so much more about straightening teeth.

• Orthodontists:
• Only work on teeth and jaw fixing stuff
• Go to school longer—2 or 3 years after dental school
• Deal with everything: from easy cases to really hard ones, like bad bites, jaw problems, and lots of crowded teeth

• General Dentists:
• Work on all kinds of teeth stuff: cleanings, fillings, and sometimes some braces
• Go to shorter braces classes (anywhere from a weekend class to a few months), usually for aligners or small fixes

Everyday experience is huge. Orthodontists see every kind of teeth straightening problem daily. They work with braces, aligners, fancy appliances, and will work with surgeons if a jaw needs to be fixed. Most dentists do a couple of braces cases between lots of regular cleanings and fillings.

Should You Get Braces at Your Dentist’s Office? Pros and Cons I Discovered

Why I Picked a Dentist for My Easy Case

One day, I wanted to close a little gap—nothing crazy—so I picked my regular dentist. Here’s what was good:

The Good Stuff

• Everything in One Place:

I got my checkups, cleaning, and aligners done in the same office where I was already comfortable.

• Someone I Knew:

My dentist already knew all about my teeth and my dental history.

• Great for Easy Problems:

My teeth only needed a small fix, so risk was super low.

• Costs a Little Less:

For simple aligners, I paid about 10% less than what the orthodontist wanted.

The Not-so-Great Side (and When I’d Say Go to a Specialist)

• Not Enough Experience in Hard Cases:

My friend tried to fix bad crowding with her dentist, but it took forever—over three years. She ended up seeing an orthodontist anyway.

• Not as Many Choices:

My dentist couldn’t do special braces, like the kind behind teeth or for jaw problems, since she never learned.

• Transfers and Waiting:

If the braces plan goes wrong or needs more help, you might have to change to a specialist. That means more time and maybe more money, too.

• Insurance Might Not Cover:

Not all insurances pay for braces done by a dentist. Always call your insurance first.

My advice: If it’s a small, easy fix, seeing your dentist is fine. If your bite is off, your jaws don’t meet right, or you have pain or tricky stuff, see an orthodontist.

Crucial Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before Starting Braces

From my own experience, here are the best questions to ask your dentist before you start:

Some dentists do a lot of training, some just a bit. It’s good to know.

If you have crowding or a gap, ask how often they see this and check out their before-and-afters.

It helps to know why your dentist suggests one kind and not another.

If teeth don’t move right, find out who helps next—do they send you to a specialist?

Check if the fee covers every visit, emergencies, retainers, or if you’ll have to pay extra later.

Retainers are super important. Ask about your options and lifelong care (sometimes made by a dental lab for retainers).

Most dentists are happy to answer these questions. It shows you’re careful and want to be safe.

When I’d Insist on an Orthodontist: Red Flags and Special Cases

Sometimes I tell people to go straight to a specialist. Here’s what makes me say that:

• Really Bad Bites:

If your jaws don’t fit or your bite looks way off, you need a pro.

• Lots of Crowding or Big Gaps:

When you need more space or maybe teeth pulled, let an orthodontist handle it.

• Jaw Pain or Clicking:

Any clicking or pain in your jaw when you open your mouth—go to a bite/jaw expert.

• Braces Didn’t Work Before:

If you already tried and your teeth moved back, let a specialist come up with a plan.

• Jaw or Face Doesn’t Look Right:

If your chin or jaw looks way off, you probably need more than just braces.

• You Need Surgery:

Sometimes teeth and jaws can’t be fixed without surgery from a team.

When things get even a little tough, just get a consult with an orthodontist. Most do the first visit free.

Case Studies and Real-World Data: What the Numbers Say

One thing I like—dentistry has plenty of real information to go by. Here’s what I learned:

• How Many Dentists Do Braces?

Around one third of general dentists in the U.S. do some braces, mostly clear aligners.

• What Do They Use?

Most (about 70%) do only clear aligners since they are easier to use and there’s lots of support from the aligner company.

• How Much Training?

General dentists usually take 50–200 hours of braces classes. Orthodontists do over 5,000 hours.

• Who Does Best in Simple Cases?

If a dentist works only on easy issues, results are usually just as good as a specialist.

• What Goes Wrong?

Problems mostly happen when dentists try to fix hard cases without enough experience. This can mean longer treatment, uneven teeth, or jaw pain.

• Price Difference

For small cases, dentists might charge 5–15% less than specialists. If the case is harder, the price is nearly the same—so it might not be worth the risk.

• Referrals:

Good dentists aren’t scared to send you to a specialist. Around a quarter of the patients who start with a dentist end up at the orthodontist.

• Are Patients Happy?

For easy cases, people are just as happy seeing their regular dentist as a specialist.

If you want to know more about dental technology or how dental labs help, check out a digital dental lab. It’s cool to see how careful the work is, no matter who your main provider is.

Frequently Asked Questions from My Patients (and How I Answer Them)

Q: My dentist says they can do braces—will it look as good as what an orthodontist does?

If your case is easy and the dentist knows what they’re doing, yes. For tough stuff, it’s better to see a pro.

Q: Is it cheaper to get braces from my dentist?

Sometimes, yes, if it’s simple. But if it’s a harder fix, spending a bit more for a specialist is worth it.

Q: Can all dentists do Invisalign?

Most can, if they take the classes. But it’s not just having the certificate—it’s how good they are.

Q: Will I need to see an orthodontist anyway?

If your teeth don’t move right or you have a tough case, your dentist should send you to a specialist.

Q: How do I know if my dentist’s plan is right for me?

Ask for before-and-after photos, details, and make sure all your questions get answered. If it doesn’t feel right, get a second opinion.

Making the Right Choice for Your Smile – My Takeaway

Here’s what I think after all this dental stuff and helping others: Your smile deserves the right person for the job. For simple fixes, a good dentist can do a great job—safe, easy, maybe for a bit less money.

But if your bite is off, your jaw needs work, or anything seems tricky, go to an orthodontist. Their extra training means safer, more predictable results.

Last tip: Never be too shy to ask questions or get a second opinion. Good dental pros, whether they work at a china dental lab or a fancy braces office, want what’s best for you. Your comfort and health should always come first.

No matter where you go, remember—it’s your smile. Ask things, learn, and choose the person who helps you show it off.