Dentist vs Orthodontist: What's the Difference?

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Greenberg Orthodontics & TMJ

"Dentists, orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. It's a common misconception, but there are important distinctions between these dental professionals.

Educational Background

Before becoming an orthodontist, Dr. Vickie Greenberg started her career in dental school and earned a dental degree, just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Greenberg decided she wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field.

So she stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and underbites.

What Dentists Do

General dentists provide comprehensive oral health care including:

• Regular cleanings and checkups
• Fillings and cavity treatment
• Root canals and extractions
• Crowns and basic restorative work
• Preventive care and oral health education

What Orthodontists Do

Orthodontists specialize specifically in:

• Straightening crooked teeth
• Correcting bite problems
• Jaw alignment issues
• Clear aligner treatment
• Traditional and advanced braces systems

Other Dental Specialties

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include:

• Endodontic - focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth
• Periodontic - focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth
• Prosthodontic - focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth

When to See an Orthodontist

You should consider seeing an orthodontist if you have:

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
• Jaw alignment issues
• Difficulty chewing or speaking due to tooth position

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here at our orthodontic practice to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw, and gums might need?