When it comes to protecting your oral health, many people aren't sure whether they should schedule an appointment with a dentist or an orthodontist. Although both professionals help patients achieve healthier smiles, they have different areas of expertise and provide different types of treatment.
Understanding the difference between a Dentist vs Orthodontist can help you choose the right provider for your needs. Whether you need a routine cleaning, treatment for a cavity, braces, or help correcting your bite, knowing who to see first can save you time and ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
In this guide, we'll explain what each professional does, how they work together, and when it's time to visit one over the other.
What Does a General Dentist Do?
A general dentist is your primary oral healthcare provider.
Dentists focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of dental conditions that affect your teeth, gums, and mouth.
Common services include:
- Routine dental exams
- Professional teeth cleanings
- Digital X-rays
- Fillings
- Dental crowns
- Root canal therapy
- Gum disease treatment
- Tooth extractions
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Cosmetic dentistry
For most people, a general dentist is the first professional they should visit for regular oral healthcare.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dentist who completes several additional years of specialized education focused on diagnosing and correcting problems involving tooth alignment and jaw positioning.
Orthodontists primarily treat:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Jaw alignment issues
Their goal is to improve both the appearance and function of your smile.
Education and Training
Although every orthodontist is a dentist, not every dentist is an orthodontist.
General Dentist
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent prerequisites)
- Four years of dental school
- DDS or DMD degree
- Licensed to practice general dentistry
Orthodontist
- Dental school
- DDS or DMD degree
- Two to three additional years of orthodontic residency training
- Specialized certification in orthodontics
This advanced education allows orthodontists to focus exclusively on tooth movement and bite correction.
Dentist vs Orthodontist: Services Compared
| General Dentist | Orthodontist |
| Routine exams | Braces |
| Teeth cleanings | Clear aligners |
| Fillings | Retainers |
| Crowns | Bite correction |
| Root canals | Jaw alignment |
| Dental implants | Orthodontic appliances |
| Dentures | Tooth movement |
| Gum disease treatment | Growth monitoring |
When Should You See a Dentist?
You should schedule an appointment with your general dentist if you experience:
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bleeding gums
- Cavities
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Missing teeth
- Bad breath
- Loose fillings
- Dental emergencies
Even without symptoms, routine checkups every six months help maintain long-term oral health.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
An orthodontic consultation may be appropriate if you have:
- Crooked teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Jaw pain related to your bite
- Teeth that overlap
- Large gaps between teeth
- Bite problems
- Teeth that are difficult to clean because of crowding
In many cases, your general dentist will recommend an orthodontic evaluation if they identify alignment concerns during a routine exam.
How Dentists and Orthodontists Work Together
Dentists and orthodontists frequently collaborate to provide comprehensive care.
For example:
- A dentist identifies bite problems during an exam.
- The patient is referred to an orthodontist.
- After orthodontic treatment, the patient returns to the dentist for ongoing preventive care.
Working together helps ensure both healthy teeth and proper alignment.
Which Provider Should You Visit First?
For most patients, the answer is simple:
Start with your general dentist.
A dentist can evaluate your overall oral health, identify any problems, and determine whether specialized orthodontic treatment is necessary.
If braces or clear aligners would benefit your smile, your dentist can recommend a trusted orthodontist and coordinate your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protect Your Smile with the Right Dental Care
Whether you need preventive dental care or orthodontic treatment, choosing the right provider is an important step toward maintaining a healthy smile.
At Redeemed Smiles, we provide comprehensive dental care and can help determine whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate for your needs. If specialized care is required, we're happy to refer you to a trusted orthodontist so you receive the highest quality treatment.
Schedule your appointment today and let our team help you take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile.