What Is the Difference Between a Dentist and Orthodontist?

2554 Lewisville-Clemmons Road
Clemmons, NC 27012

What Is the Difference Between a Dentist and Orthodontist?

Greenway Village Dental

When it comes to oral health, it's best to know the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. Read this guide to learn who to call here!

Oral health is something that you should take very seriously. Having healthy teeth, gums, and jaw is crucial to your overall health and wellbeing throughout your life. Plus, no one should be ashamed of their smile.

Being informed is a crucial component of your oral health. The more you know, the better decisions you can make. This is why it's important to know and understand the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist.

So what is the difference? What does a dentist and orthodontist do? What makes their care and services different?

These are all great questions to ask. We'll break down the differences between these two types of doctors and the services they offer. That way, you'll always know who to call about your oral health.

Dentist and Orthodontist Differences

Dentists and orthodontists are both doctors that specialize in oral health. There are significant crossovers between these two practices, and both operate from a shared base of knowledge.

In general, dentists diagnose and treat conditions involving your teeth, gums, and mouth. Orthodontists are specialists who focus on the alignment of your jaws and teeth.

Many dentists take coursework in orthodontics to expand their skillsets, understanding of procedures, and so that they can provide their patients with a well-rounded perspective.

Orthodontists are required to study dentistry before they specialize. This allows them to have a broad understanding of all aspects of dental care. With this knowledge, they are able to provide specific and targeted solutions to certain dental problems.

What Does a Dentist Do?

Dentists are doctors of oral health. They diagnose, treat, and care for a variety of health conditions related to your mouth, gums, and teeth.

General dentists make up more than 80% of practicing dentists.

There are two types of dental degrees. A DDS stands for a doctor of dental surgery. A DMD stands for a doctor of dental medicine.

A general dentist's clinic is often overseen by one or two DDS's or DMD's. They run a team of dental hygienists and dental assistants who work underneath them.

Dental hygienists typically clean teeth for their dentists. Dental assistants prepare and organize the tools that dentists need to work on a patient. They may also assist with patient care, appointment scheduling, and record keeping.

Dentists provide a wide variety of oral health care. They fill cavities, take and read x-rays, repair and remove damaged teeth, encourage oral health and hygiene, and treat gum disease. They also perform oral surgery, restorative dentistry, and prescribe medications for treatment.

Some dentists, such as those at Rice & Associates, a dental office in Clemmons, NC, continue to take courses on orthodontic principles so that they can offer services like Invisalign to straighten teeth. When patients require more specialized care, dentists will work with closely with orthodontists and other specialists.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

So what do orthodontists do? Orthodontists begin with the same education as dentists. They then take additional courses to focus on their specialty.

Orthodontists make up only 6% of practicing dentists.

A local orthodontist specializes in making sure that your teeth and jaw are correctly aligned. They do this through a variety of treatment processes, including installing and maintaining dental appliances. These can include braces, palatal expanders, and orthodontic headgear.

Orthodontists may also administer teeth straightening procedures and corrective surgery. They also diagnose and develop treatment plans for misaligned jaws and teeth.

Orthodontists may also provide services related to tooth decay, root canals, gum disease, bridges, crowns, veneers, and teeth whitening. They can also remove or repair problem teeth, fill cavities, and make molds for dentures.

Do I Need a Dentist or an Orthodontist

Everyone should make it a priority to visit a dentist regularly to maintain a healthy smile. Think of dentists as project managers for your mouth. They typically see patients twice a year for cleaning and to ensure that their teeth, gums, and jaws are all healthy and in working order.

Some patients never need to see an orthodontist, and treatment from dentists alone is sufficient for their oral health. However, when a patient experiences issues with tooth and jaw alignment, dentists will typically refer them to an orthodontist.

Most general dentists have a network of various specialists, including orthodontists. They refer patients to these specialists when they need targeted treatment for particular problems.

Patients typically see orthodontists for two to three years as their treatment progresses. The average orthodontic treatment lasts between 16 and 18 months, although some can take as long as 24 months or more.

After their treatment, patients will continue to see their orthodontist for follow-up appointments to ensure that the treatment has been a success. Orthodontists may prescribe retainers or other devices during that time.

At the end of the day, if your dentist refers you to an orthodontist, then you need to see one. If not, your dentist will likely be able to provide all the care that you need.

Dentist in Clemmons, NC

Oral health and hygiene are vitally important. Both a dentist and orthodontist are there to ensure that you have the healthiest smile possible.

Now that you know the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist, you can make informed decisions about your oral health and hygiene.

If you're looking for a dental office in Clemmons, NC to provide for all of your family's needs, Rice & Associates is a perfect choice. We are open five days a week and are on call for emergencies. We also offer family appointment blocks so that you can get everyone taken care of in one visit.

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