Is It Better to See a Dentist or Orthodontist?
When it comes to improving your smile or correcting bite issues, you might wonder whether you should see a dentist or an orthodontist. While both professionals play an important role in oral health, each specializes in different areas. Understanding these differences can help you make the right choice for your dental needs.
What Does a Dentist Do?
Dentists focus on maintaining your overall oral health. Their services include:
- Routine Cleanings and Exams: Preventing and identifying cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. Read about how dental cleanings affect orthodontic care.
- Fillings, Crowns, and Restorations: Repairing damaged or decayed teeth.
- Basic Cosmetic Services: Teeth whitening and minor cosmetic adjustments.
- Preventive Care: Providing guidance on brushing, flossing, and diet to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Dentists are essential for regular check-ups and ensuring that your teeth and gums remain in good condition. However, they typically refer patients to specialists for more complex alignment or bite issues.
Learn more about how general dental care and orthodontics work together.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaw. Their expertise includes:
- Braces and Aligners: Correcting crooked teeth, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
- Bite Alignment: Ensuring proper jaw function to prevent long-term issues like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
- Comprehensive Treatment Plans: Orthodontists create personalized treatment plans that address both aesthetic and functional concerns.
Unlike general dentists, orthodontists undergo additional years of specialized training in tooth movement and jaw alignment.
Explore your options for braces vs. Invisalign.
When to See a Dentist First
There are situations where it’s best to see a dentist before starting orthodontic treatment:
- Oral Health Issues: If you have cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems, these must be addressed before beginning orthodontic treatment.
- For example, our sister office, Tribute Family Dentistry, offers comprehensive general dental care to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy before orthodontic work begins. Learn more about Tribute Family Dentistry.
- Routine Care: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings should continue throughout your orthodontic treatment to prevent complications.
When to Go Directly to an Orthodontist
In many cases, you can go straight to an orthodontist without a referral. Here’s when it makes sense to schedule a consultation directly:
- You Notice Alignment Issues: Crooked teeth, gaps, or bite problems are clear signs that you may benefit from orthodontic care.
- Interest in Braces or Aligners: If you’re already considering braces or Invisalign, an orthodontist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.
- Early Intervention: Children as young as 7 can benefit from an orthodontic assessment to detect potential issues early.
Schedule a consultation with Elate Orthodontics today.
Key Differences Between Dentists and Orthodontists
For a more detailed comparison between these two specialists, check out our blog on why orthodontic care is best left to the experts:
Orthodontist vs. Dentist: Why Orthodontics Should Be Left to the Experts.
| Feature | Dentist | Orthodontist |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | General oral health | Teeth and jaw alignment |
| Services | Cleanings, fillings, crowns | Braces, aligners, bite correction |
| Training | Dental degree | Additional 2-3 years of orthodontic specialization |
| Treatment Approach | Preventive and restorative care | Aesthetic and functional alignment |
While both professionals are essential for maintaining a healthy smile, orthodontists provide the specialized care needed for significant alignment issues.
Comprehensive Care at Elate Orthodontics
At Elate Orthodontics, we collaborate closely with general dentists to ensure optimal care for our patients. Here’s why families in The Colony, Frisco, and Prosper choose us:
- Experienced Specialists: Dr. Baharvand and Dr. Kang have extensive experience in treating complex orthodontic cases.
- Affordable Treatment: We offer competitive pricing with in-network insurance coverage and flexible payment plans.
- Advanced Technology: Our state-of-the-art equipment allows for precise, efficient treatment.
- Convenient Locations: Multiple offices make it easy to access high-quality care close to home.
Explore affordable orthodontic care.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between a dentist and orthodontist depends on your specific needs. For routine dental care, regular visits to your dentist are essential. However, if you’re ready to address alignment or bite concerns, visiting an orthodontist like those at Elate Orthodontics is the best choice.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your perfect smile!