Dentists vs. Orthodontists
It is easy to get confused about the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist, as there can be areas of cross-over in the work they do. While a dentist and an orthodontist are both tasked with the improvement of a patient’s overall oral health, they have different roles.
How are they similar?
The main similarity between a dentist and orthodontist is that they are both medical professionals that complete many years of schooling and focus on teeth, gums and overall oral health. They work together in many instances as part of your oral health team. Both are doctors and are graduates of dental school.
How are they different?
After graduating dental school, orthodontists must continue their education with several more years of highly-specialized instruction. Dentists typically focus on a patient's overall oral health and provide general checkups, routine cleanings, and services such as fillings, extractions, crowns and gum procedures.
Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in the alignment of teeth and jaws. They provide services related to malocclusions, overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowding and problems with the jaw.
To learn more about the difference between dentists and orthodontists, or to schedule an initial consultation, please contact us to schedule a consultation at one of our offices.