Are Dentists and Orthodontists the Same? Understanding the Key Differences and When to See Each Specialist

Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Short Answer and Why It Matters
• What a General Dentist Does: Your Primary Oral Health Provider
• What an Orthodontist Does: The Bite and Alignment Specialist
• Key Differences Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist
• Important Similarities: The Shared Foundation
• When to See a General Dentist: Your First Stop
• When to See an Orthodontist: Specialist for Alignment and Bite
• Can a Dentist Do Braces or Clear Aligners?
• The Referral System in Dentistry: How Pros Work Together
• Costs, Insurance, and Treatment Length at a Glance
• Education Paths and Credentials in Plain English
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How Technology Shapes Modern Dental and Orthodontic Care
• My Best Advice: How to Choose the Right Professional
• Conclusion: Your Next Best Step

Introduction: The Short Answer and Why It Matters

No, dentists and orthodontists are not the same. All orthodontists are dentists. Not all dentists are orthodontists.

I learned this myself when my nephew needed braces. His regular dentist saw a crossbite during a regular dental check and said he should see an orthodontist. I thought his dentist could just do braces, but it turns out orthodontists spend extra years learning just about how teeth move and how jaws grow. That extra training really does matter if you want a bite and a smile that last.

You don’t need a fancy degree to get this. You just need plain answers. I wrote this as someone who has been a patient, a parent, and a health writer (and yes, I have been in a lot of dental chairs). I also made sure to check what the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) say. When I tell stories, it’s so the facts make sense in real life.

What a General Dentist Does: Your Primary Oral Health Provider

To me, my general dentist is like a “family doctor” for my teeth. They take care of most things to keep your mouth healthy every day.

• What they do
• General dentists help stop, find, and treat a lot of mouth problems.
• They take care of regular dental visits, catch small problems early, and send you to other dental specialists if you need one.

• Education and training
• Dentists get a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine).
• Both degrees are the same, just different names.
• Usually, this means four years of college, then four years of dental school.
• They have to pass tests to get a dental license.

• What general dentists do
• Stop problems: teeth cleaning, checkups, x-rays, sealants, and tips on keeping your mouth clean.
• Fix problems: fillings, crowns and bridges, onlays, and inlays.
• Pull teeth and handle small emergencies or pain.
• Spot gum disease and either help with it or send you to a gum specialist if it’s really bad.
• Tooth whitening and sometimes put on veneers.
• Often do root canals unless it’s really tricky—they send you to a root canal expert for hard ones.
• Can send you to orthodontists, root canal experts, gum experts, dentists for kids, and oral surgeons if you need extra help.

Regular care is simple in real life. My dentist saw a broken filling, talked through my choices, and fixed it with a crown. I went to the same place for cleanings and x-rays. When my bite felt funny after I broke a tooth, he smoothed it so my teeth fit together again.

If you want a quick look at what dentists do these days, you can also check this dentist overview.

What an Orthodontist Does: The Bite and Alignment Specialist

I tell my friends this: orthodontists are dentists who focus on how teeth and jaws fit together. They want your bite to work and your smile to look good.

• What they do
• Orthodontists spot and treat “bad bites” (malocclusion).
• They straighten teeth, fix overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowded teeth, and gaps.
• They help jaws grow right in kids and work with surgeons for big jaw problems in adults.

• Special extra training
• After dental school, orthodontists do a special 2–3 year full-time program all about moving teeth, jaw growth, and planning treatments.
• Lots also get officially tested (board certification), which means they keep learning and show they know more cases.

• What orthodontists do
• Straighten teeth with braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign).
• Fix bite problems to help people chew right and use their mouth better.
• Give retainers after, so teeth stay in line.
• Work with surgeons for jaw surgery if teeth and jaws don’t match up.
• Watch how kids and teens grow and change over time.

A quick story. My nephew’s crossbite was making his teeth wear down wrong and his jaw hurt. The orthodontist used a palatal expander and braces. His bite got better, his headaches stopped, and he smiles more now. It’s not just looks—it’s also about comfort and healthy eating.

Key Differences Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist

Let’s break it down in simple ways:

• Education and training
• Dentist: DDS or DMD degree after dental school and a license.
• Orthodontist: Same DDS or DMD, plus 2–3 more years learning just about moving teeth and jaws.

• What they do
• Dentist: look after just about everything for your mouth—prevention, fixing teeth, and finding problems.
• Orthodontist: fix “bad bites,” straighten teeth, line up jaws, and offer braces or clear aligners.

• What they work on
• Dentist: cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, root canals, pull simple teeth.
• Orthodontist: braces, clear aligners, retainers, space holders, mouth expanders, other tools to move teeth.

• The stuff they use
• Dentists: digital x-rays, small cameras, machines to make crowns, sometimes lasers.
• Orthodontists: 3D scanners for mouth models, special x-rays when needed, computer programs to plan aligners, and made-for-you braces gear.

Important Similarities: The Shared Foundation

They have a lot in common:

• Every orthodontist was a dentist first.
• Both find and treat mouth problems—just different kinds.
• Both want you to have a healthy, nice-looking smile.
• Both send you to others if it’s what you need.

When to See a General Dentist: Your First Stop

Start with your general dentist for pretty much everything. They keep track of how your mouth changes. They know your history.

• Regular visits: cleanings and checkups two times a year for most people.
• Tooth pain, cavities, sore gums, or sensitive teeth.
• Want whiter teeth or veneers.
• Tooth emergencies—chipped teeth, lost fillings.
• Helping to stop problems—like sealants for kids, or advice for everyone.

Dentists also work closely with labs for things like crowns and bridges to give you the best look and fit. If you’re interested in how a good crown and bridge lab makes a difference, there’s more on that behind the scenes.

When to See an Orthodontist: Specialist for Alignment and Bite

See an orthodontist (the tooth and bite straightening expert) if your teeth or jaws aren’t lined up right, or you don’t feel good about your teeth.

• Crooked or crowded teeth that are hard to clean.
• Spaces that affect how you talk or look.
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
• Open bite (when teeth don’t touch right and it’s hard to chew or talk).
• Jaw pain because your teeth don’t fit together right.
• Kids showing signs like mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or teeth not coming together.
• Thinking about braces or clear aligners for adults or teens.

The AAO says kids should get their first orthodontist check by age 7. Doesn’t mean they’ll get braces—just so the right plan’s ready if needed. Adults get braces more now too. Lots of people like aligners because you can’t always see them.

Can a Dentist Do Braces or Clear Aligners?

People ask this a lot. Yes, some dentists offer braces or clear aligners, especially for easy cases. They can help fix small gaps or a little crowding.

But here’s what I learned. If your case is tricky—like a deep bite, crossbite, or teeth that need a lot of moving around—orthodontists have special training for that.

Ask yourself:

• Is my case easy or more involved?
• Has this dentist done lots of these?
• What if my teeth don’t move as planned?
• Is a specialist checking or planning my case?
• What’s the plan for retainers after?

Retainers are just as important as the braces or aligners. Teeth like to move back if you don’t keep them in place. Make sure your office uses a top dental lab for retainers for the best results.

The Referral System in Dentistry: How Pros Work Together

I like how dentists work together like a team. Your dentist is the leader. They’ll see when a bite or alignment problem is starting and send you to an orthodontist if you need it.

Some cases take many experts:

• Gum specialists (periodontists) and orthodontists work together if gums are weak and teeth still need moving.
• Root canal experts (endodontists) fix teeth before any moving happens.
• Oral surgeons and orthodontists team up for big jaw problems.
• Kid dentists and orthodontists help little ones with habits or lining up teeth early.

I saw this with a friend whose teeth were crowded and some were stuck. The dentist planned everything. The orthodontist made space and lined up the teeth. The oral surgeon helped when teeth wouldn’t come in. The team made sure everything happened at the right time, so it all worked out well.

Costs, Insurance, and Treatment Length at a Glance

Money and time matter.

• Paying and insurance
• Dental insurance usually helps cover cleanings, checkups, x-rays, fillings, and most crowns.
• Not all insurance covers orthodontic work. Some only pay for part, with limits on dollar amount or age. Double-check your plan for what’s covered.
• Ask about getting approval before you start, payment plans, or if you can use your HSA or FSA.

• Time
• Most dental work takes one or a few visits.
• Braces or aligners usually take 1–3 years, depending on how much needs to change. Clear aligners might be quicker if it’s simple. But everyone’s mouth is different—sometimes teeth move fast, sometimes slow.
• You need to wear retainers after your braces come off, often at night, for a long time.

• Who’s out there
• There are many more general dentists than orthodontists in the U.S.—about 150,000 dentists and only about 11,000 orthodontists.
• That’s why dentists do most mouth care and orthodontists just focus on straightening and bites.

Education Paths and Credentials in Plain English

These names can be confusing, so here’s the easy version:

• DDS vs DMD
• Both mean someone finished dental school. Same classes, just a different school name.
• Orthodontic program
• After dental school, an orthodontist goes 2–3 years more and only learns about moving teeth and jaws.
• Licenses
• Orthodontics is a main branch of dentistry according to the ADA.
• Dentists and orthodontists both need licenses to work.
• A lot of orthodontists also get board-certified (another way to show they know extra).

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are dentist and orthodontist the same?
• No. Orthodontists are dentists with more training for straightening teeth and working with bites.

• What does a general dentist do?
• Cleanings, fillings, crowns, checking for diseases, simple tooth pulling, teeth whitening or veneers, some root canals, and sending you to specialists.

• What does an orthodontist do?
• Treats “bad bites,” lines up teeth, straightens with braces or aligners, helps keep teeth in place with retainers.

• Orthodontist vs dentist for braces?
• For tough cases, go to an orthodontist. For simple tooth straightening, some dentists do clear aligners. Ask about their experience and what happens after braces or aligners.

• Can a dentist do braces?
• Some can for easier cases. They should know what’s too hard to handle and send you to a specialist when needed.

• Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
• Not always. Many times you can just make an appointment yourself. Still, your dentist’s notes can help.

• Is an orthodontist a doctor?
• Yes, they’re dentists with even more training.

• Root canal: dentist or orthodontist?
• Dentist or root canal specialist. Orthodontists don’t do root canals.

• Extraction: dentist or orthodontist?
• Most dentists handle simple tooth pulls. Surgeons pull tough ones. Orthodontists might plan extractions but usually don’t pull teeth themselves.

• Pediatric dentist vs orthodontist?
• Pediatric dentists look after kids’ teeth and mouths. Orthodontists do braces and fixing bites on kids, teens, and adults. They work together often.

• Periodontist vs orthodontist?
• Periodontists help gums and jaw bones. Orthodontists move teeth using those healthy gums and bones.

• Invisalign vs braces at the dentist?
• Lots of dentists offer clear aligners for simple cases. Orthodontists do both aligners and all types of braces, including the less visible kinds.

• TMJ issues: who helps?
• Start with your dentist. Sometimes orthodontists help if a bad bite is part of the problem. Big TMJ problems may use a team approach.

How Technology Shapes Modern Dental and Orthodontic Care

Tech has made things a lot easier for me. No more gooey trays for mouth impressions—I’m grateful!

• At the dentist
• Digital x-rays mean less radiation and faster answers.
• Tiny cameras let you see what’s going on in your mouth.
• Some offices make crowns right there with machines. More complicated stuff goes to a dental lab.

• At the orthodontist
• Scanners make fast, right-on digital models—no trays for most people.
• Special 3D x-rays help with tough plans.
• Computer software can show you how your teeth will move.
• Braces and wires can now be made exactly for your mouth.

• In the lab
• Dental labs behind the scenes turn computer plans into actual braces or appliances.
• Want to see how a digital dental lab helps make things more exact? Check that out.
• Since retainers keep everything in place, I always ask if my office uses a good dental lab for them. That way, my smile stays the same.

My Best Advice: How to Choose the Right Professional

I’ve helped friends with this a lot. Here’s my usual checklist:

• Get a full checkup and x-rays if needed.
• Ask for a clear opinion on your bite and alignment.

• Small issues might be fine for your dentist.
• Anything not simple—get an orthodontist consult.

• Try for a board-certified orthodontist if the plan is tricky.
• Bring your dental x-rays or notes.

• Ask about the different types: metal, clear, lingual, or clear aligners.
• Make sure you know the steps: first active treatment, then retainers.

• What usually doesn’t go as planned?
• How will they fix things if teeth move slow or not at all?

• Retainers are a must. They keep your teeth in place.
• Will you get both fixed and removable retainers?

• It’s cheaper than fixing a mistake.

A story: A coworker had a little crowding. Her dentist suggested clear aligners and showed before-and-after photos. She still went to an orthodontist for a second look, just in case. The orthodontist agreed—it was a simple case. She let her dentist do it, and it went fine. What mattered was the right case, not the name on the door.

Expert tips:

• ADA and AAO both say dentists work on general health, orthodontists on straightening.
• Orthodontic training means 2–3 more years just about moving teeth.
• Early checks (age 7) make it easier to fix things before they get tough.
• Retainers are for life if you want your smile to stay!

Conclusion: Your Next Best Step

Dentists and orthodontists both want you to have a good, healthy smile. They just do different jobs. Dentists do almost everything for your teeth and mouth. Orthodontists just work on straightening and fixing bites.

Start with your general dentist. Ask clear questions. If it’s a bite or alignment thing, see an orthodontist too. Get a plan you can follow. Make sure you get (and use!) retainers.

You want your smile to look nice and work right for eating, talking, and even sleeping. Pick the right expert for the job, and you’ll get both.