When it comes to your oral health, knowing which dental professional to see can make all the difference. While both orthodontists and dentists work to improve your oral health, they serve different purposes in your dental care journey. We’ll explore the key differences between these two dental professionals to help you make informed decisions about your oral healthcare needs.
What Are the Core Differences Between Orthodontists and Dentists?
The main difference lies in their focus and training. Dentists are the primary oral healthcare providers who handle general dental issues, while orthodontists are specialists who focus specifically on teeth alignment and jaw positioning.
Education and Training Requirements
Both professionals start with similar educational foundations but diverge significantly in their specialized training:
| Professional | Undergraduate | Dental School | Additional Training | Total Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dentist | 4 years (bachelor’s degree) | 4 years (DDS or DMD) | Optional residency | 8+ years |
| Orthodontist | 4 years (bachelor’s degree) | 4 years (DDS or DMD) | 2-3 years orthodontic residency | 10-11 years |
Orthodontists essentially begin as dentists but continue their education with specialized training focused exclusively on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. This additional education makes them experts in bite correction and teeth straightening techniques.
Scope of Practice and Specialization
The scope of practice differs significantly between these two professionals:
Dentists handle a wide range of oral health concerns:
– Regular cleanings and checkups
– Cavity fillings and tooth extractions
– Crown and bridge placements
– Root canal treatments
– Gum disease management
– Basic cosmetic procedures (whitening, veneers)
– General oral health education
Orthodontists focus specifically on:
– Diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth
– Correcting bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
– Jaw alignment issues
– Creating treatment plans for braces and aligners
– Managing space between teeth
– Monitoring facial growth patterns related to dental development
Professional Certification and Licensing
Both professionals require rigorous certification, but orthodontists must complete additional steps:
Dentists must:
– Graduate from an accredited dental school
– Pass the National Board Dental Examination
– Complete clinical examinations
– Obtain state licensure to practice
Orthodontists must complete all dentist requirements plus:
– Complete a 2-3 year accredited orthodontic residency program
– Many choose to become board-certified through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), requiring additional examinations
Common Treatments: What Each Professional Provides
Understanding what treatments each professional offers can help you determine who to see for specific dental issues.
Treatments Provided by Dentists
General dentists are equipped to handle the majority of your routine oral health needs:
- Preventive care: Regular cleanings, examinations, X-rays, and sealants
- Restorative procedures: Fillings for cavities, crowns, bridges, and dentures
- Root canal therapy: Treating infected pulp inside teeth
- Tooth extractions: Removing damaged or problematic teeth
- Gum disease treatment: Managing periodontal issues
- Cosmetic procedures: Teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers
- Emergency dental care: Handling toothaches, broken teeth, and other urgent issues
Treatments Provided by Orthodontists
Orthodontists specialize in treatments that correct teeth alignment and jaw positioning:
- Comprehensive orthodontic evaluation and treatment planning
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic (tooth-colored) braces
- Lingual braces (attached behind teeth)
- Clear aligner therapy (like Invisalign)
- Palatal expanders for widening the upper jaw
- Headgear and other appliances for complex bite issues
- Space maintainers for premature loss of baby teeth
- Retainers and post-treatment maintenance
- TMJ disorder treatments related to bite issues
Areas Where Their Services Overlap
While there are distinct differences, some areas of overlap exist:
- Some dentists offer basic orthodontic services like clear aligners for minor alignment issues
- Both may provide mouth guards for teeth grinding or sports protection
- Both can identify developmental issues in children’s mouths
- Both emphasize the importance of proper oral hygiene
- Both can refer patients to other specialists when needed
When cases are complex, even dentists who offer orthodontic treatments will typically refer patients to an orthodontist for specialized care.
Cost Comparison and Insurance Coverage
Understanding the financial aspects can help you plan appropriately for dental and orthodontic care.
How Much Do Dental Treatments Cost?
Dental treatment costs vary widely based on procedure complexity, geographic location, and the dentist’s experience:
| Dental Procedure | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Regular checkup with cleaning | $100-$300 |
| Dental X-rays | $25-$300 (depending on type) |
| Filling | $100-$250 per tooth |
| Crown | $800-$1,500 per tooth |
| Root canal | $600-$1,400 (varies by tooth) |
| Tooth extraction | $100-$650 (simple to surgical) |
| Professional teeth whitening | $300-$650 |
How Much Do Orthodontic Treatments Cost?
Orthodontic treatments typically involve a higher investment because they occur over an extended period:
| Orthodontic Treatment | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Traditional metal braces | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Ceramic braces | $4,000-$8,000 |
| Lingual braces | $8,000-$10,000 |
| Clear aligners (Invisalign) | $4,000-$7,400 |
| Retainers (post-treatment) | $100-$500 |
The total cost typically includes all appointments, adjustments, and initial retainers. Treatment complexity and duration significantly impact the final price.
What Insurance Typically Covers for Each
Insurance coverage differs significantly between general dental and orthodontic treatments:
Dental insurance typically follows a 100-80-50 structure:
– 100% coverage for preventive care (cleanings, checkups)
– 80% coverage for basic procedures (fillings)
– 50% coverage for major procedures (crowns, bridges)
– Annual maximum benefits often range from $1,000-$2,000
Orthodontic coverage:
– Often has a separate lifetime maximum (typically $1,000-$3,000)
– May only cover dependents under 18 in many plans
– Usually covers 50% of treatment cost up to the maximum
– May have waiting periods before coverage begins
– Some plans exclude orthodontic coverage entirely
Many practices for both dentistry and orthodontics offer payment plans to help manage costs not covered by insurance.
When Should You See a Dentist vs an Orthodontist?
Knowing when to see each professional ensures you receive the appropriate care for your specific needs.
When to Visit a Dentist
You should see your dentist:
– For regular checkups every six months
– When experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity
– If you notice signs of cavities or gum disease
– For chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
– When you need teeth replaced (implants, dentures)
– For routine cleanings and preventive care
– If you’re concerned about bad breath or oral hygiene
– For oral cancer screenings
– Before beginning orthodontic treatment to ensure good oral health
When to Visit an Orthodontist
You should consider seeing an orthodontist:
– If you have noticeably crooked teeth
– When experiencing overcrowding or gaps between teeth
– If you have bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
– When jaw misalignment causes discomfort or functional problems
– If you experience difficulty chewing or speaking due to teeth positioning
– For TMJ disorders related to bite issues
– When your dentist refers you for specialized alignment treatment
– For children around age 7 for early evaluation (as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists)
Do You Need a Referral to See an Orthodontist?
One common misconception is that you need a referral to see an orthodontist:
- You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist
- Many patients visit orthodontists directly for consultations
- However, dentists often identify issues during regular checkups and may recommend an orthodontist
- Many orthodontists offer free initial consultations to evaluate your needs
- Your dentist’s referral may help provide relevant dental history to the orthodontist
Many people start with their general dentist, who then refers them to an orthodontist if specialized treatment is needed, but this path isn’t required.
Common Questions About Orthodontists and Dentists
Can My Regular Dentist Provide Braces or Aligners?
This is a common area of confusion:
- Some general dentists do offer limited orthodontic treatments, particularly clear aligner therapy for minor corrections
- Dentists can take continuing education courses on orthodontic procedures
- However, orthodontists have years of specialized training specifically in complex tooth movement and jaw alignment
- For straightforward cases, a dentist might be appropriate
- Complex cases involving significant bite issues or jaw problems are best handled by an orthodontist
- Ask your dentist about their experience with orthodontic cases similar to yours
How Often Should I Visit Each Professional?
The frequency of visits differs between these professionals:
- Dentist: Most people should visit every six months for routine checkups and cleanings, though some conditions may require more frequent visits
- Orthodontist: During active treatment, visits typically occur every 4-8 weeks for adjustments and monitoring, with treatment usually lasting 18-36 months depending on complexity
- You should maintain your regular dental visits even while undergoing orthodontic treatment
Do Orthodontists Handle General Dental Problems?
Understanding the division of responsibilities helps manage your expectations:
- Orthodontists focus primarily on tooth alignment and bite correction
- They typically don’t handle general dental issues like cavities, gum disease, or extractions
- During orthodontic treatment, you should continue seeing your general dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
- The two professionals often work collaboratively—your orthodontist may communicate with your dentist about your treatment
- Some orthodontic offices may have general dentists on staff, but this is not common
Making the Right Choice for Your Oral Health
When deciding between an orthodontist and a dentist, consider your specific needs:
- For general oral health, cavity treatment, or routine care, a dentist is your primary provider
- For specialized alignment issues, bite problems, or jaw concerns, an orthodontist offers expertise
- Many oral health journeys involve both professionals working together
- Your general dentist remains your lifelong oral health partner, while orthodontists typically provide time-limited specialized treatment
- Consider consulting both if you’re uncertain about which professional is best for your situation
The relationship between dentists and orthodontists is complementary rather than competitive. By understanding the distinct role each plays in your oral healthcare, you can make informed decisions that lead to a healthier, more confident smile.
