Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist
Visiting your dentist every six months is the guidance a lot of dental professionals will give you to make sure your teeth are checked routinely and you’re given whatever treatment you need to sort problems out. However, should people visit an orthodontist? And what exactly is the difference between the two titles? Let’s take a look at what each expert does and their specialities.
What’s an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental professional who specialises in straightening teeth that are crooked, misshapen, or misaligned. They are typically the type of dental experts who would fit braces or clear aligners if required.
Usually, these types of professionals would require studying dentistry before specialising in orthodontics afterwards. A master's degree is the normal route for them to become an orthodontist after years of studying dentistry in its classic form.
An orthodontist will be able to examine the condition of your mouth to see if any disease is present and advise on how best to action the problem, but their primary concern is the shape and alignment of your smile.
An orthodontist will also fix your overbite or underbite problems if you suffer from one of these problems. These are a relatively simple fix with the right set of braces or aligners suited to the size and shape of your mouth.
Difference Between an Orthodontist and Dentist
A dentist may not specialise in a certain aspect of oral care as an orthodontist does and would instead offer broader services for your teeth, like generally examining your oral health, and offering advice on how to care for your teeth overall.
Both are highly qualified professions that take years of training and dedication until they teach at a level where they can care for patients. Broadly speaking, an orthodontist won’t fit fillings, composite bonding, or perform procedures to instal bridges or dentures into your mouth - a traditional dentist would.
Think of orthodontists as offering corrective treatment for misalignment and other issues that you might want to sort aesthetically. Dentists also perform aesthetic treatments, but these are usually in the form of whitening or composite bonding to fill cracks.
What Does Pure Smiles Offer?
The good news for you is that Pure Smiles offers both regular dentistry and orthodontics for those looking to get routine check-ups or those wanting a straight set of teeth.
Depending on what you need and the cause of the problems you are facing, you will be given up to date, honest advice and a treatment plan that suits your needs, during one of our new patient consultations.
Orthodontists won’t generally perform routine check-ups unless you wear braces; instead, you’d usually visit a dentist who’ll assess the state of your mouth.
Whatever type of dental care you’re after, take a look at our website to see the services we provide.
Dental treatment finder
