Dentist vs Orthodontist: What’s the Difference in WA?
At Advanced Orthodontics, Dr. Todd Steinhart checks how the teeth and jaws line up. He also looks at how the bite works. Knowing which provider handles each type of care can help you decide where to go for help with your smile or oral health.
What Does Each Provider Focus On?
A general dentist helps protect and restore your overall oral health. Dental care may include exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, gum care, and treatment for damaged or painful teeth.
An orthodontist specializes in tooth position and how the teeth fit together. Orthodontic care may address crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and other alignment concerns.
Both providers can play an important role in your care. A dentist may notice that your teeth or bite should be checked by an orthodontist. Your orthodontist may also ask you to keep up with routine dental care while your teeth are moving.
The difference is simple. Dentists manage general dental health. Orthodontists specialize in alignment and bite correction.
What Extra Training Does an Orthodontist Complete?
Orthodontists begin as dentists. After dental school, they complete an accredited orthodontic residency. This training covers tooth movement, bite alignment, jaw growth, and treatment planning.
The American Association of Orthodontists explains the additional specialty training required to become an orthodontist. This education usually takes another two to three years after dental school.
During residency, orthodontists study how teeth move and how jaw growth can affect the bite. They also learn how different treatment methods can improve alignment and function.
Some general dentists may offer braces or clear aligners. However, providing these services does not make a dentist an orthodontist. Becoming an orthodontist requires an accredited orthodontic residency after dental school.
When Should You See Your General Dentist?
Your general dentist should remain your main provider for routine dental care. Regular visits help protect your teeth and gums before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.
You may see your dentist for cleanings, exams, cavities, tooth pain, damaged teeth, gum concerns, or other common dental needs.
Dental exams and cleanings are still important if you have braces or Invisalign. Orthodontic treatment changes tooth position. Your dentist continues to watch the health of your teeth and gums.
Your dentist may also notice signs that an orthodontic evaluation would help. These may include crowding, unusual tooth eruption, spacing, or a bite that does not line up properly.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is the right specialist when your main concern is tooth alignment, your bite, or jaw growth.
You may want an orthodontic evaluation if you have crowded or overlapping teeth. Large spaces or teeth that do not meet properly can also be reasons for a visit. An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite may also need to be checked.
Parents may bring a child to an orthodontist to check how the permanent teeth and jaws are developing. An exam can show whether care is needed now or whether it can wait.
Treatment may include braces, Invisalign, or another orthodontic appliance. The right choice depends on your needs and the tooth movements required.
Orthodontic care is not only for children and teens. Adults with crowding, shifting teeth, spacing, or bite concerns may also benefit from an evaluation.
Can Your Dentist and Orthodontist Work Together?
Yes. Your dentist and orthodontist can work together because each has a different role in your oral health.
During orthodontic treatment, your dentist continues to provide regular exams, cleanings, and other dental care as needed. Your orthodontist monitors how your teeth are moving, how they are aligning, and how your bite is changing.
Working together can help when dental care may affect the orthodontic plan. For example, a dental concern may need treatment before certain teeth can be moved.
Keeping both types of appointments helps protect your teeth and gums while your smile changes. Orthodontic care improves alignment, but it does not replace routine dental care.
Ready to Find Out Which Type of Care You Need?
If you need routine or restorative dental care, your general dentist is usually the right place to start. If your concern involves crowding, spacing, crooked teeth, or your bite, an orthodontist can provide a specialized evaluation.
At Advanced Orthodontics, Dr. Steinhart can check your tooth alignment, bite, and treatment needs. He can explain whether orthodontic care may be right for you. If braces or Invisalign may help, you can discuss your options before deciding how to move forward.
Find your nearest Advanced Orthodontics office: Bellevue, Kent, Burien, Everett, or Mercer Island. Schedule a consultation to learn whether orthodontic treatment may be right for you or your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
These short answers cover common questions about dentists and orthodontists.
Is every orthodontist also a dentist?
Yes. Orthodontists complete dental school before moving on to added specialty training in orthodontics.
Is every dentist an orthodontist?
No. A dentist must complete an accredited orthodontic residency after dental school to become an orthodontist.
Do you still need a dentist while seeing an orthodontist?
Yes. Keep seeing your dentist for regular exams and cleanings during orthodontic treatment.
Should children see a dentist or orthodontist first?
Children should keep regular dental visits. They can also see an orthodontist for concerns about tooth alignment, bite development, or jaw growth.
Do you need a referral from a dentist to see an orthodontist?
Not always. You can often contact an orthodontic office directly to schedule an evaluation.