Understanding the key differences between a dentist and an orthodontist can help patients determine which specialist they need for their oral health care. While both professionals focus on maintaining and improving oral health, their roles, training, and areas of expertise differ significantly. A dentist typically handles general dental care, while an orthodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating alignment and bite issues.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentists and orthodontists begin their careers by earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. However, after receiving this extensive training, their paths diverge. Dentists complete their education after dental school and can begin practicing general dentistry. Orthodontists, on the other hand, undergo an additional two or three years of specialized training in orthodontics, focusing on the alignment of teeth and jaws.
A dentist focuses on maintaining overall oral health and preventing dental issues for patients of all ages. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and supporting structures. Dentists emphasize preventive care, helping patients avoid potential complications through regular checkups and education on proper oral hygiene. They also address existing dental concerns to restore functionality and comfort.
Orthodontists, however, focus exclusively on correcting misalignments in the jaw and teeth. Common misalignments include overbites, crossbites, underbites, crowding, and diastema. Further, orthodontics concentrates on structural alignments, which means treatment times can last months to years.
While dentists and orthodontists have distinct roles, they often work together to provide comprehensive patient care. Dentists may refer patients to an orthodontist for alignment issues that require specialized treatment. In contrast, orthodontists ensure that patients continue to receive routine dental care from their general dentist during orthodontic treatment. This collaboration ensures patients maintain good oral health while addressing their specific alignment needs.
Since a dentist mainly focuses on maintaining a patient's overall oral health, the treatments can vary in type and extensiveness. Common treatments from a dentist can include:
Further, dentists offer solutions for those with aesthetic concerns to enhance the appearance of a patient's smile, blending functionality with cosmetic improvements.
Orthodontics treatments are much more limited. Orthodontists often use appliances designed to gradually adjust teeth and jaw alignment, ensuring long-term stability and improved oral health. Common appliances include:
These treatments not only enhance the appearance of a smile but also contribute to better chewing, speaking, and overall comfort. Orthodontic care focuses on achieving balance between the teeth and jaw for optimal results.
We hope this information has offered enough key differences to help you determine which dental professional you require. However, remember that dentists are often the professionals who point to the need for an orthodontist should you require it. For more information, call our Playa Vista dental office to request more information or schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.playavistadentalcare.com or call Playa Vista Dental Care at (310) 589-3146 for an appointment in our Playa Vista office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Playa Vista, CA.
General dentistry consists of a lot of routine oral health care, which also happens to include restoring teeth that are in bad shape due to damage. Common damage may include cracks, chips, or cavities, all of which can be addressed with the help of different dental restorations. Continue reading to find out what dental restoration…
Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to keep them healthy. It is an important part of your hygiene routine. It can be the difference between having a bright smile you can be proud of or ugly looking teeth you are reluctant to display.Simply brushing teeth every…
Cleanings from a general dentist are encouraged once every four to six months. This is a routine visit that does not take long to complete, and it can significantly reduce the risk of dental cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. This guide discusses what you can expect when getting a cleaning from a…
A general dentist deals with the diagnosis, management, and treatment of oral health issues. Also, this type of dental professional provides routine care to help patients maintain good dental health. This routine care includes preventive treatments that help guard against the occurrence of cavities, injuries, and infections.Preventive treatments in general dentistry have immense benefits in…
Clear braces are becoming more common among patients of all ages.
Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over a tooth to restore shape, size, strength, and…
When needing orthodontic treatment, it is best to consult with a general dentist to get…
The basics of tooth extraction aftercare focus on protecting the extraction site and encouraging proper…
If the procedure was handled by a skilled and experienced dentist, the gum graft procedure…
Periodontal disease is an infection of gum tissues caused by the bacteria in plaque and…
