Short answer: An orthodontist is a dentist who, after completing dental training, has also received specialist orthodontic training. A dentist provides general oral and dental health services such as fillings, root canals, gum care and extractions; an orthodontist focuses on correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaws, bite problems and jaw development. In other words, every orthodontist is a dentist, but not every dentist is an orthodontist.
What does a dentist do?
A dentist is responsible for the general care of oral and dental health. The main areas of work are as follows:
- Examination, detection of tooth decay and fillings
- Root canal treatment, tartar cleaning and gum care
- Tooth extraction and simple surgical procedures
- Prosthetic and aesthetic treatments
- Oral hygiene and preventive care recommendations
Some dentists can also provide orthodontic treatment; however, orthodontics is a separate branch that is a specialty field.
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontic specialist examines the position, fit and development of the teeth and jaws. For this purpose they use methods such as braces, clear aligners, removable and fixed appliances, jaw expansion and functional appliances. The main areas of interest are:
- Crowding, gaps between the teeth, protruding teeth
- Deep bite, open bite and crossbite problems
- Skeletal discrepancies such as a retruded or protruded upper or lower jaw
- Guiding jaw development in children
- Joint planning with a surgeon in cases that need surgical support
What is the difference in training?
Both first graduate from a faculty of dentistry. To become an orthodontic specialist, specialist training is needed after this; in this process detailed training is given on tooth movement mechanics, jaw growth, facial structure and treatment planning. You can check a dentist’s specialty in the records of the Ministry of Health and the relevant professional bodies. For points to look at when choosing a dentist, you can look at our page on what to look at when choosing a dentist.
When should you see an orthodontist?
- If your teeth are crowded, shifted or spaced
- If your upper and lower teeth do not close properly
- If your child has a narrow jaw, habits such as thumb sucking or early loss of baby teeth
- If you are considering clear aligners or braces
- If a retruded or protruded jaw is visible in your facial profile
You can find the right time for a first assessment in children on our page on early orthodontic treatment. You can reach the list of all orthodontic problems on the page orthodontic problems treated.
Do the two dentists work together?
Yes. Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is common to work together with the general dentist and the relevant specialists for the treatment of cavities, gum health and, if needed, an extraction or implant plan. The orthodontist carries out regular check-ups throughout treatment; general dental care continues with your dentist.
How can you tell an orthodontic specialist?
- The dentist’s title includes the phrase “orthodontic specialist”.
- The specialty certificate and records are shared when asked for.
- At the examination, records such as X-rays, photographs and a digital scan are taken, and the plan is explained with these records.
- More than one treatment option is discussed, together with the limits of each.
These criteria are only a guide; choosing a dentist also depends on whether you feel confidence.
For children, an orthodontist or a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist takes care of the health of baby and permanent teeth, the treatment of decay and preventive care. An orthodontist assesses matters ranging from the alignment of the teeth to jaw development. If your child has a condition such as crowded teeth coming through, a crossbite, a thumb-sucking habit or early loss of baby teeth, the opinion of both dentists may be useful. For general information, you can look at our page on orthodontics in children.
Do you see a dentist during orthodontic treatment?
Yes. While using braces or clear aligners, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease may increase; for this reason regular tooth cleaning and a general examination are important. The orthodontist carries out the treatment plan, while the dentist monitors general oral health. This cooperation helps treatment proceed more safely.
Which dentist to see and when?
For complaints such as pain, decay, gum bleeding or a broken tooth, the general dentist is the first step. For tooth alignment, bite, jaw fit or aesthetic concerns, an orthodontist is suitable. If you are not sure which to see, an examination is the easiest way to be directed correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Does an orthodontist treat tooth decay?
An orthodontist’s main field is the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Conditions such as decay are generally referred to the general dentist; these problems are resolved before treatment begins.
Is a dentist’s referral needed to see an orthodontist?
Generally not. You can apply directly; if needed, you are referred to another specialty at the examination.
Can any dentist provide clear aligner treatment?
Aligner application is a method many dentists can use; however, planning tooth movement and the jaw relationship requires orthodontic knowledge. You can ask about the dentist’s orthodontic training.
How do you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined by an examination and the dentist’s assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together during the first orthodontic examination.
