Orthodontists and dentists both help patients improve their oral health but in different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth, gum, nerves, and jaw, while orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites, occlusion, and the straightness of teeth. One important difference is that all orthodontists like Dr. Andrew Lasley are dentists, but not all dentists are licensed orthodontists. So, what sets them apart? The crucial distinction lies in their areas of specialization, which we explore further in “What is the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?”
How are they similar?
Oral care focus: The main similarity between a dentist and an orthodontist is that they both focus on oral care.
Dental Professionals: They are both trained dental professionals with expertise in oral care. They are both considered doctors and deal with the teeth and gums.
Similar Treatment Settings: An orthodontist can work in a dental office and provide the same care as a dentist. So in this respect, they are quite similar.
Doctoral Titles: They hold doctoral degrees in their respective fields, highlighting their expertise.
Patient Education: Both professionals emphasize patient education on oral hygiene practices and preventive measures.
In essence, while dentists and orthodontists have distinct areas of specialization, they share common ground in promoting and maintaining oral health.
How are they different?
An orthodontist requires additional schooling as a dental specialty; the situation is similar to a doctor who obtains additional schooling to become a surgeon. Another difference is that orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bite, or fitting them for corrective braces and devices. If a patient has an overbite, a dentist will refer him or her to an orthodontist.
Education and Training:
- Dentists: Dentists typically complete four years of dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
- Orthodontists: Orthodontists are dentists who pursue further education and training, which often entails a two- to three-year orthodontic residency. They are able to concentrate on dental alignment and bite problems due to their specific training.
Dentists typically encourage good oral hygiene and provide services related to:
- Tooth decay
- Root canals
- Gum disease
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Veneers
- Teeth whitening
Orthodontists are dentists that specialize in the alignment of teeth, and provide services related to:
- Misaligned teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
What an orthodontist can help with?
Orthodontists help with crooked teeth, but they assist patients with other issues as well. These include overbites and underbites, crossbites, spaces between teeth, overcrowding of teeth, and the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Additional problems with the jaw also need to be treated by an orthodontist.
They are uniquely qualified to manage additional jaw-related problems. While some dentists may have training in orthodontic care, such as providing extractions, TMJ treatments, and fillings, entrusting your smile to a specialized orthodontist ensures a comprehensive and balanced approach to the various procedures you may require, including braces, Invisalign, and innovative orthodontic treatments.
To learn more about the difference between dentists and orthodontists, or to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Andrew Lasley, please give our team at Lasley Orthodontics a call at our convenient Renton, WA office.