Dentist vs. Orthodontist: Understanding the Key Differences in Your Oral Healthcare

Are you confused about who to see for your teeth—your regular dentist or an orthodontist? You’re not alone! This article will show you, step-by-step, how dentists and orthodontists are different, what they do, and how each one helps care for your smile. Keep reading for easy facts, expert advice, and real-life examples—all explained in simple words.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Why Knowing the Difference Matters
• What is a Dentist?
• What is an Orthodontist?
• How Are Training and Education Different?
• What Does Each Expert Do Daily?
• Can Your Dentist Do Braces?
• When Should You Visit a Dentist?
• When Should You Go to an Orthodontist?
• How Do Dentists and Orthodontists Work Together?
• What Do Their Treatments Cost?
• Dentist or Orthodontist: Which One Is Right for You?
• [Internal Reference]
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Key Facts to Remember

Introduction: Why Knowing the Difference Matters

Did you ever get a toothache and think, “Should I call my dentist, or do I need an orthodontist?” This question happens for both kids and grown-ups when you want healthy, great-looking teeth. I remember my friend Lisa, who thought her crooked teeth were just a normal dental problem, until her dentist told her, “You need to see an orthodontist!” This made her—and me—curious. So I did some checking. The results? A simple guide to clear things up, save you time, and help you pick the best care.

If you want to feel good walking into your next dental visit, this article is for you. You’ll find out not only what makes dentists and orthodontists different, but also when you need to see which one. Plus, you’ll learn how both work together, so you know you’re getting the right help.

What is a Dentist?

A dentist is your main teeth doctor. They keep your teeth clean, fix holes in your teeth, and make sure your mouth stays healthy. Think of them as the leader of your dental care team.

What Does a General Dentist Do?

• Regular Check-Ups: Dentists look for problems before they get big.
• Teeth Cleaning: They do cleanings to get rid of stuff you can’t brush away at home.
• Cavity Fillings: If you have a hole in your tooth, your dentist fills it.
• Crowns and Bridges: These fix or replace broken or missing teeth.
• Teeth Pulling: Sometimes, teeth must come out—your dentist does this.
• Gum Disease Help: Dentists look after your gums and treat gum problems.
• Cosmetic Work: Dentists can whiten teeth and fix small chips.
• Advice on Cleaning: Dentists show you how to brush and floss the right way.

Your dentist is like a coach for your mouth: they teach, fix, and help you stay on track.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who learned even more—usually two or three more years—just to be really good at fixing crooked teeth and bite problems.

The Role of an Orthodontist

• Braces and Aligners: Orthodontists put on braces or give you clear plastic pieces like Invisalign to straighten teeth.
• Fixing Bites: They help with overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
• Jaw Alignment: If your jaws don’t line up, an orthodontist can help.
• Early Checks for Kids: Orthodontists look at children’s teeth and jaws early—sometimes as young as age 7—to look for future problems.

Why does this matter? If your teeth do not line up, or your bite feels “wrong,” you need an orthodontist. They have the right skills for these jobs.

How Are Training and Education Different?

Let’s look at this simple table. It explains school and training for both jobs:

Reviewed by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS

Dentists stop after dental school. Orthodontists go back for more classes and hands-on learning in braces and jaw fixing. Only about one in fifteen dental school graduates becomes an orthodontist. So, orthodontists are not common—around one for every fifteen dentists in the U.S.

What Does Each Expert Do Daily?

When you visit a dentist, here’s what you might get:

• Check-ups and X-rays to keep teeth healthy.
• Fillings and cleanings if you have small dental issues.
• Crowns, bridges, and root canals to fix or save teeth.
• Advice on cleaning at home.

But if your main problem is crooked teeth, spaces, or how your jaws come together, you’re better off seeing an orthodontist. What will they do?

• Braces or Clear Aligners: Move teeth to where they should be.
• Retainers: Hold teeth in place after straightening.
• Bite/Fit Checking: Look for and fix bite problems (“Why does my jaw feel strange when I chew?”).
• Check kids for jaw growth troubles.

So, think of the dentist as your “main doctor” for the usual care, and the orthodontist as the “expert builder” for tricky repairs.

Can Your Dentist Do Braces?

Good question. Some dentists get special lessons to do easy braces or clear aligners. For little problems—like small crowding—this can work fine. Dentists can use Invisalign or other tools if they go to extra classes.

But why do dentists often send you to an orthodontist? Because tough tooth problems need a specialist. Orthodontists see hard cases every day. They know when jaws are not right. They see things general dentists might miss.

Problem: You want straight teeth, but you don’t know if your dentist is the right person.

Agitate: If you pick wrong, you might spend more, lose time, or your teeth might not get fixed right.

Solution: See an orthodontist if you have a lot of crowding, a strong bite problem, or tricky jaw issues.

When you’re unsure, your regular dentist will send you to an orthodontist for help.

When Should You Visit a Dentist?

You should always start with your dentist. They’re your main stop for dental care.

See your dentist if you:

• Need a regular cleaning or check-up.
• Have a toothache, sensitive spot, or see a hole in a tooth.
• Notice red or swollen gums, or bleeding when brushing.
• Want to whiten your teeth or fix small chips.
• Lose a tooth or have pain from a filling.

A dentist is your first step for nearly all mouth problems. They know when you need more help.

When Should You Go to an Orthodontist?

Here’s when you should think about seeing an orthodontist:

• Your front teeth stick out, are crooked, or overlap.
• There are big spaces or gaps between your teeth.
• Biting, chewing, or talking feels strange.
• You or your child has a bite that doesn’t look or feel right—overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.
• Your child is about 7 and your dentist says to check jaw growth.

Remember, orthodontists see adults too! Many people get braces or aligners in their 20s, 30s, even 50s. Straighter teeth are for anyone.

How Do Dentists and Orthodontists Work Together?

You might think these two do the same things, but they have different jobs. Your dentist keeps your teeth healthy. If they spot something unusual—like crowded teeth or a bite problem—they ask an orthodontist to help.

Orthodontists fix straightness and bite problems. But they send you back to your dentist for cleanings and fillings during treatment. Good teamwork is important.

It’s like sports: the dentist is your coach, planning the game. The orthodontist is your special helper for the tricky moves.

This teamwork means you always get the right care.

What Do Their Treatments Cost?

Cost is a worry for most people. You might ask: Is straightening teeth more expensive than a filling? Here’s a simple table for rough prices:

Most insurance helps pay for check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and sometimes crowns. Orthodontic care, like braces, may need a separate policy or have limits (like a lifetime max).

If you’re not sure what your plan covers, ask your dental office—they do this every day.

Dentist or Orthodontist: Which One Is Right for You?

Problem: You’re not sure who to see and don’t want to waste money or time.

Agitate: Seeing the wrong one could mean longer treatment or not fixing things right.

Solution:

• See your dentist for regular care, pain, cleaning, and simple fixing.
• See an orthodontist if your teeth are crooked, have gaps, or your bite feels “off.”

A dentist can send you to an orthodontist if needed. If you need crowns, bridges, or fillings during orthodontic care, your orthodontist will tell you to go back to your dentist.

Here’s a tip: Dental items, such as bridges, crowns, or nightguards, are made in special labs. For good work, some clinics use a trusted china dental lab. Digital lab tools, like from a digital dental lab, also can help make custom mouthpieces you might need after braces.

[Internal Reference]

If you want to learn more about special dental work or things like retainers, check out a dental ceramics lab. If your orthodontist needs to make a retainer, they might call a dental lab for retainers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my child get braces from our regular dentist?

A: Some dentists offer clear aligners, but for most braces or tricky cases, an orthodontist is better. They have extra training in straightening teeth and fixing bite problems.

Q: How do I know if I really need an orthodontist?

A: If your teeth are very crooked, you have jaw pain, or it’s hard to bite, ask your dentist for help. If you’re worried, you can also book an orthodontist yourself.

Q: Can adults get braces?

A: Yes! Orthodontists see people of all ages—even seniors.

Q: How much do braces cost? Does insurance pay?

A: Braces cost about $3,000 to $7,500 or more. Invisalign might cost more. Insurance sometimes pays a part, but plans have limits for orthodontics.

Q: What if I don’t fix my crooked teeth or bite?

A: Problems can get worse: teeth may wear down unevenly, chewing and talking might get harder, and you could get more cavities. Fixing it sooner is often better and costs less.

Key Facts to Remember

• Dentists keep your teeth healthy and clean.
• Orthodontists straighten teeth and fix bites and jaws.
• Dentists go to dental school; orthodontists go 2–3 years longer.
• Dentists and orthodontists work together for your mouth health.
• Start with your dentist for most problems—they’ll send you to an orthodontist if you need one.
• Crowns, bridges, retainers, and nightguards are made by skilled labs, often using digital tools.
• Braces and aligners aren’t just for kids—grown-ups get them too!
• Ask about costs and insurance before starting, so there’s no surprise.

No matter who you see, keep brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist. Healthy teeth and a good smile are always worth it!

Reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS.