What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

If you’re considering straightening your teeth, you may wonder: Should I see a dentist or an orthodontist? While both professionals focus on oral health, their expertise differs significantly. 

Keep reading to get a better understanding of the difference between the two.

Who is a Dentist?

A dentist is a healthcare professional who undergoes five years of rigorous training to earn a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. This extensive education equips them with the skills to diagnose, prevent, and treat a wide range of oral health issues. Their primary role includes:

• Routine checkups and cleanings to maintain oral health.
• Filling cavities and treating gum disease to prevent complications.
• Performing root canal therapy, extractions, and other procedures (veneers, crowns, tooth correction) to restore and enhance dental function.

Dentists are highly trained professionals who handle all aspects of general dentistry, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care for their oral health needs.

Who is an Orthodontist?

A dentist who has completed further specialized training to concentrate solely on identifying and treating misaligned teeth and jaw problems is known as an orthodontist. 

Post completing BDS, orthodontists complete three additional years of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics residency training, during which they acquire extensive knowledge of: 

• Understanding and treating complex bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites
• Using advanced orthodontic appliances like braces, clear aligners, retainers & surgical correction of jaws.
• Also observing growth & development related to face & teeth from childhood through adolescence, and help in their correction with the help of extra and intraoral appliances.
• Planning and executing tooth movement strategies for long-term stability

Orthodontists specialize in the alignment and function of the bite. This enables them to guarantee that teeth are not just aesthetically beautiful but primarily functional. In-depth research on jaw function and facial growth is part of their training, which guarantees the best alignment for both appearance and health.

If you need regular checkups, teeth scaling, or polishing, or are dealing with tooth pain or sensitivity, and the answer to your problems is RCT, filling, or extraction, the solution lies with a general dentist.

But when we are dealing with bite problems, misaligned teeth, gaps, crowding, or uneven tooth alignment, our recommendation is to visit an Orthodontist. They will suggest the best course of action moving forward. Be it Aligners or Braces, you can trust them to answer all your questions.

Many general dentists offer clear aligners, but should they? The answer lies in expertise.

General vs. Specialized Care

A dentist may offer orthodontic treatments after short certification courses.

An orthodontist, however, has 3 extra years of specialized training in tooth movement.

Why Seeing an Orthodontist is Recommended for Braces

Orthodontists use advanced technology & expertise, which is backed by training & experience, to plan precise movements.

Poorly planned orthodontic treatment can lead to bite issues, TMJ disorders, and even tooth loss over time.

Bottom Line: Teeth alignment is not just a cosmetic fix—it’s a medical treatment. Trusting an orthodontist ensures safe, effective, and lasting results.

Myth: Any dentist can provide braces or aligners.

Fact: Only orthodontists have specialized training in tooth movement, which helps them deliver more precise results.

Myth: Braces are only for kids.

Fact: Adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment is purely cosmetic.

Fact: It improves bite function & prevents dental issues. Enhanced aesthetics is an add-on benefit of the treatment.

At Whistle, we’ve brought together India’s top orthodontists, led by Dr. Amit Sachdeva, to develop a specialized range of bite correction solutions. Our products are designed by orthodontic experts to ensure optimal results for bite, function, and aesthetics.

Whistle’s ABC of Bite Correction:

✔️ A – Aligners: Custom-made, clear aligners for discreet teeth straightening.

✔️ B – Braces: Traditional and advanced braces for precise correction.

✔️ C – Crowns: Expert-designed restorations that work harmoniously with orthodontic treatment.

Pricing Range:

• Braces: ₹49,900 – ₹74,900
• Clear Aligners: ₹60,000 – ₹2,50,000

1. Who is superior, a dentist or an orthodontist?

Neither is superior – it relies on your requirements.  While an orthodontist concentrates on tooth alignment, a dentist oversees general oral health.

2. Can an orthodontic procedure be performed by a general dentist?

Some general dentists treat patients with braces and aligners, but they lack the extensive orthodontic training. It is recommended to visit an orthodontist for complex circumstances.

3. What are some of the things that an orthodontist can do that a dentist cannot?

Orthodontists use cutting-edge methods and tools not taught in conventional dentistry training to specialize in braces, aligners, and bite correction.

4. How can I determine whether I need an orthodontist?

An orthodontist can assess your condition and recommend the best course of action if you have misplaced teeth, gaps, or bite issues.

Although both dentists and orthodontists are essential to oral health, orthodontic therapy should always be delivered by a professional. If you're considering having braces or aligners, consult an orthodontist to ensure safe, precise, and long-lasting results.

Are you ready to improve your dental health?

To begin your journey to a confident smile, schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable orthodontists right now! 

Also Read:

• Can I Put Braces at the Age of 35?