When it comes to dental care, many people are confused about the roles of different types of dental professionals. Two common titles that come up in discussions about oral health are general dentists and orthodontists. While both professionals specialize in improving the health and appearance of your teeth, their areas of expertise and the services they provide differ significantly.
In this article, we will explore the key differences between a general dentist and an orthodontist. We will look at what each professional does, the treatments they offer, their educational backgrounds, and when you should see one over the other.
Understanding these distinctions can help you make informed decisions about your dental care and ensure that you are receiving the right treatment for your specific needs.
What Does A General Dentist Do?
A general dentist is the primary dental care provider for most people. These professionals are responsible for the overall care of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Their job is to help you maintain good oral health and prevent dental problems through regular checkups, cleanings, and routine treatments.
General dentists offer a wide range of services, including:
Routine Checkups: General dentists perform regular exams to monitor the health of your teeth and gums. These checkups often include a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, along with an examination to identify any potential problems.
Fillings and Restorations: When you have a cavity, a general dentist will clean out the decayed part of the tooth and fill it with a material like amalgam or composite resin to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
Teeth Whitening: General dentists can provide whitening treatments to remove stains and brighten your smile.
Root Canals: If you have an infection in the pulp of a tooth, a general dentist may perform a root canal to remove the infection and save the tooth.
Extractions: If a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a general dentist can extract it. In some cases, they may also perform minor oral surgeries.
Preventive Care: General dentists educate patients on proper oral hygiene, recommend fluoride treatments, and may provide sealants to help prevent cavities in children.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: General dentists are trained to diagnose various dental conditions and create treatment plans to address them. If they identify a problem that requires specialized care, they may refer you to an orthodontist or another dental specialist.
What Does An Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses specifically on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities related to the alignment of teeth and jaws. While general dentists handle general oral health, orthodontists have advanced training and expertise in issues like crooked teeth, bite misalignments, and jaw irregularities.
Orthodontists are experts in providing treatments that improve the alignment of teeth, which can result in a healthier mouth and a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Their services include:
Braces: Orthodontists are best known for fitting patients with braces.
Braces are used to straighten teeth and align the bite, correcting issues such as overcrowding, spacing, and crookedness.
Invisalign: Many orthodontists offer Invisalign, a modern alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth without the need for metal brackets or wires.
Retainers: After braces or Invisalign treatment, orthodontists provide retainers to ensure that teeth stay in their new positions.
Jaw Alignment: Orthodontists treat problems with jaw alignment, such as underbites, overbites, or crossbites. These issues can cause discomfort and affect chewing, speaking, and breathing.
Facial Aesthetic Treatments: In some cases, orthodontists work on improving the overall appearance of the face by realigning the teeth and jaw to create a balanced, harmonious facial profile.
Early Intervention: Orthodontists often work with children to detect early signs of misalignment, which can be corrected with early orthodontic intervention. This can prevent more serious dental problems later on.
Education and Training: Key Differences
One of the most significant differences between a general dentist and an orthodontist lies in their education and training.
While both professionals must complete dental school, orthodontists undergo additional years of specialized training to become experts in the field of orthodontics.
General Dentist Education: To become a general dentist, an individual must complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After dental school, they may choose to pursue a general practice residency, though this is not required for most general dentists.
Orthodontist Education: Becoming an orthodontist requires the completion of dental school, followed by an additional two to three years of specialized training in orthodontics. This training focuses on understanding facial growth, orthodontic appliances, and techniques to correct misalignments. After completing their residency, orthodontists must also pass written and clinical exams to earn certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), which is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field.
When Should You See a General Dentist vs. an Orthodontist?
Knowing when to see a general dentist and when to see an orthodontist is essential for maintaining good oral health. Here’s a breakdown of the situations in which you would typically visit each type of professional:
Visit a General Dentist For:
- Regular checkups and cleanings
- Fillings and cavity treatment
- Tooth extractions
- Root canals
- Teeth whitening and cosmetic treatments
- Preventive care and oral hygiene guidance
Visit an Orthodontist For:
- Teeth that are crooked, crowded, or spaced unevenly
- Bite problems such as underbites, overbites, or crossbites
- Jaw alignment issues that affect speaking, chewing, or breathing
- Looking for braces, Invisalign, or other methods to straighten your teeth
- Children who may need early orthodontic intervention to prevent future issues
If your general dentist notices issues with your teeth or jaw that require orthodontic treatment, they will likely refer you to an orthodontist for further evaluation.
The Cost Difference Between General Dentistry and Orthodontics
The cost of dental care can vary significantly depending on the type of treatment you need. In general, the services provided by a general dentist are more affordable than those offered by an orthodontist due to the complexity of orthodontic treatments.
General Dentistry Costs: Routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, and other general dental procedures tend to be more affordable. Most dental insurance plans cover basic services such as exams, cleanings, and fillings.
Orthodontic Costs: Orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign can be expensive. Depending on the complexity of the case and the treatment method, the cost can range from several thousand dollars.
Many orthodontists offer payment plans to help manage the cost, and some dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, particularly for children.
Which Professional Is Right for You?
Ultimately, deciding between a general dentist and an orthodontist depends on the specific needs of your oral health. For general maintenance, preventive care, and basic treatments, a general dentist is your go-to professional. However, if you are dealing with alignment issues, bite problems, or other specialized concerns that require braces or jaw corrections, an orthodontist is the specialist you should see.
Both general dentists and orthodontists play important roles in ensuring your oral health and overall well-being. By understanding the differences between the two, you can make informed decisions about your dental care and work with the right professional to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Conclusion
In summary, general dentists and orthodontists are both essential to maintaining good oral health, but they have distinct roles. General dentists provide a wide range of services focused on overall dental care, while orthodontists specialize in the alignment of teeth and jaws. Knowing when to visit each professional is key to receiving the appropriate treatment for your specific needs. Whether you’re in need of routine care or more specialized orthodontic treatment, understanding the difference between these two types of dental professionals can help you make the right choice for your smile.
