Everyone with a minor or severe issue with their teeth, gums, jaw or any oral problem consults a dentist. However, seeing a certified orthodontist is indispensable instead of a regular dentist to treat dental abnormalities. Dentists who specialise in conducting orthodontics play an instrumental role in helping individuals align their bite as well as straighten their teeth. 

Indeed, a general dentist and orthodontist are highly-trained and well-versed dental professionals who can help keep your oral health in fine condition. A regular dentist usually conducts scheduled dental check-ups and cleaning. Dentists with profound training and knowledge of orthodontic care can treat bite problems, crooked teeth, overlapped, gapped or twisted teeth. 

Keep reading to have a clear understanding of the prime differences between an orthodontist and a regular dentist, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatment.

What is the Difference between an Orthodontist vs. a general Dentist?

Orthodontists

An orthodontist is a dental professional with a specialisation in diagnosing, preventing and treating issues or irregularities with people’s teeth and jaw. Apart from correcting the existing positions of an individual’s teeth and jaw, orthodontists identify similar severe problems that may arise in the future. 

These dentists possess extensive expertise in correcting misalignments by using fixed or removable dental equipment. The sole objective of these healthcare professionals is to ensure that patients can take a healthy bite effortlessly. 

Teeth and jaw alignment enable an individual to enjoy a proper bite while eating and chewing. Moreover, patients can speak without any discomfort or struggle when professional orthodontists successfully conduct orthodontic treatment. 

They can help resolve teeth and jaw-specific irregularities in children, teenagers and adults and guarantee desired results. The typical devices orthodontists use include traditional braces, invisalign, bands and retainers. 

Regular Dentists

Keeping oral health in check must be your priority, which is why seeing a dentist, apart from maintaining dental hygiene on a regular basis, is essential. These dental professionals help people diagnose and treat issues with their teeth, gums, jaw, nerves and palate. 

Almost every individual sees a dentist to get relief from tooth decay, gum disease and cavities. Dentists help patients take the utmost care of their dental health. It is judicious to visit a dental care centre for scheduled check-ups to make sure your teeth, gums and jaw remain healthy.

How to Choose Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist

Here’s what a well-trained, qualified and experienced orthodontist does:

• Check and analyse patients’ teeth and jaw abnormalities
• Usage of a wide range of diagnostic equipment, including teeth moulds and X-rays
• Installation of retainers, braces or other tools to correct the position of misaligned teeth and jaw
• Identification and treatment of the existing conditions in a patient’s teeth, jaw and other parts inside the mouth
• Evaluating difficulties with oral communication and correcting misalignments with the utmost effectiveness.

Here are all those tasks that a general dentist performs.

• Providing dental check-ups, screenings and cleaning-related services to patients is the primary responsibility of a general dentist.
• Identifying and treating dental problems such as tooth decay as well as mild gum disease
• Conducting various dental procedures, including extractions, fillings, bridges, root canals and fitting crowns
• Ensuring top-level patient care by monitoring juvenile teeth growth and development
• Interpreting X-ray results to devise and implement effective plans to treat dental conditions

Choose an Orthodontist vs Dentist – Consider the Following Factors

Dental Conditions

A dentist can help you identify and treat dental problems such as tooth decay, cavities, excess plaque build-up, etc. On the other hand, an orthodontist is instrumental in teeth straightening, minimising the gap between teeth and jaw alignment. Orthodontic treatment specialists can help patients get over the problem of underbite or overbite regardless of their age.

Oral Care

General dentists help patients create and execute a healthy oral care plan, including scheduled check-ups, dental cleaning, and undergoing diagnostic procedures. Expert dentists conduct root canals, bridges and several other dental processes. Certified orthodontists carry out activities pertinent to treatments and procedures involving teeth and jaw abnormalities and occlusion. 

License

Every dental student can appear for NBDE via the dental licensing board of their specific state only after obtaining the DMD or DDS degree. Dentists get permission to begin practising in their chosen field after acquiring the state license. In the case of an orthodontist, practising orthodontic treatments is only possible for them after they complete the NBDE and become a certified dentist.

What to Look for in a Good Orthodontist or Dentist?

Making an informed decision is possible when you clearly understand the qualities that make an orthodontist stand out instead of making a random selection. Here’s what you must consider.

• Education
• Experience
• Reputation
• Convenience
• Communication Skills
• Types of Dental Treatments
• Price of Treatments

Visit us at Orion Dental Care Today

Orion Dental Care Centre is your go-to destination whenever you or a dear one sustains any minor or significant dental problems. It boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced dentists and orthodontists. In recent times, most patients trust this clinic as it provides a range of cost-effective dental treatments, including teeth cleaning, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics and more.