Orthodontic Specialists vs. General Dentists: Understanding the Difference

When it comes to dental care, it can be hard to know who to see for what. General dentists and orthodontic specialists both play important roles in maintaining oral health, but their training, focus, and treatment options are different. Here's a straightforward look at how they compare—and when to choose one over the other.

Education and Training

All orthodontists start as general dentists. After dental school, orthodontic specialists complete additional training—usually a 2-3 year residency—focused entirely on the alignment of teeth and jaws. This extra education includes hands-on experience with braces, clear aligners, growth monitoring, and bite correction.

General dentists, on the other hand, focus on overall oral health. Their training prepares them to handle a wide range of dental issues such as cavities, cleanings, crowns, and gum care, but they typically receive limited training in orthodontics.

What They Treat

• General Dentists handle routine exams, fillings, cleanings, and other general procedures. Some may offer limited orthodontic services, like clear aligners, especially for mild cases.

• Orthodontic Specialists treat misalignment of teeth and jaws. This includes crowded teeth, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, and jaw growth problems. They are trained to plan and manage complex cases with precision.

Tools and Technology

Orthodontic specialists use tools specifically designed for tooth movement, including:

• Braces (metal, ceramic, or self-ligating)

• Clear aligners like Invisalign

• Retainers and expanders

• Jaw guidance appliances

General dentists may use clear aligners for basic cases, but they typically refer patients to a specialist when a case is more complex or requires long-term planning.

When to See an Orthodontic Specialist

You should consider seeing an orthodontist if:

• Your teeth are visibly crowded or misaligned

• You have difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw issues

• You're interested in braces or aligners for cosmetic or functional reasons

• Your dentist has referred you for a specialized opinion

At Bettagere Orthodontics, we work with patients of all ages to address these concerns with careful evaluation and customized treatment.

Working Together

General dentists and orthodontic specialists often collaborate. Your dentist may identify an issue and refer you to an orthodontist. Once orthodontic treatment is complete, you’ll return to your dentist for regular care. This partnership ensures a complete approach to your oral health.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a general dentist and an orthodontic specialist depends on your specific needs. For routine dental care, your general dentist is the right place to start. But when it comes to straightening teeth or correcting bite issues, a specialist has the focused training and tools to help.

If you're considering orthodontic treatment, we're here to answer your questions. Bettagere Orthodontics offers expert care with a clear plan tailored to you.