Orthodontists and Dentists: What’s the Difference?

August 15, 2023

It’s reasonable and logical to think that a dentist is also an orthodontist. Both types of dental professionals graduated from dental school and ensure the health of your teeth. But even if a dentist provides orthodontic care, it doesn’t mean that he (or she) can call himself an orthodontist.

The office of Ortho Inc. is an expert in the field of orthodontics. We will gladly give you as much time as you need to ask questions and tell us about any of your concerns. You will receive clear explanations regarding your treatment options.

General dentists (also called family dentists) are licensed to practice dentistry. However, some states let general dentists offer certain specialty treatments without having continued their training after dental school. For instance, a dentist might be able to carry out root canal therapy without being an endodontist.

Dentists’ purview centers on cleaning, bonding, filling cavities, removing unviable teeth, fitting crowns and installing veneers, all to improve their patients’ overall oral health. Dentists also check for mouth abnormalities and educate their patients on how to prevent dental disease. Dentists are smart and proficient, but specialists require further education in a certified curriculum in which the dentists spend two or more years studying their specialty full-time.

Orthodontists train in a program sanctioned by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The area of expertise gives them training that focuses on moving teeth.

Other oral healthcare specialists include periodontists (the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, and in the placement of dental implants); endodontists (the study and treatment of the dental pulp); pedodontists (pediatric dentistry); and prosthodontists (create optimal oral health, in function and appearance using dental implants, dentures, veneers, crowns and whitening).

Ortho Inc. is dedicated to providing the ultimate in skilled and considerate care. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us today for an appointment. We look forward to finding out how we can help you.