The public is often confused about whether to see a general dentist or a specialist for braces. While both general dentists and orthodontists graduate from dental school, there is a fundamental difference in their training and the scope of their practice, especially concerning complex tooth and jaw alignment. Understanding this distinction is important for anyone considering treatment to straighten teeth or correct a bite issue. The choice between a dentist and an orthodontist depends directly on the complexity of the patient’s needs and the depth of expertise required for a successful outcome.
Dentist vs. Orthodontist: Defining the Roles
A general dentist typically earns a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree after four years of dental school. Their practice is broad, focusing on primary oral healthcare, including routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, and diagnosing general dental diseases. They are the primary care providers for the mouth, maintaining overall health and function.
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional, specialized training after dental school. This advanced education involves a full-time, accredited residency program lasting two to three years. During this intensive residency, the dentist focuses exclusively on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, which involves the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.
This specialized training provides extensive experience in biomechanics, facial growth, and the complex planning required for moving teeth through bone. The practice of an orthodontist is limited solely to correcting alignment and bite issues, making them specialists in this field.
When a General Dentist Can Offer Orthodontic Treatment
Many general dentists offer some form of orthodontic treatment, often utilizing clear aligner systems or limited braces. They can legally provide these services, as their general license permits them to perform most dental procedures. To gain the necessary skills, general practitioners typically attend extensive continuing education courses and certification programs, which are part-time and shorter than a full residency.
These dentists are usually best suited for very minor cosmetic cases, such as slightly crooked front teeth or closing small gaps that only involve limited movement. This type of treatment is often referred to as limited or interceptive orthodontics. However, cases involving significant jaw alignment issues, severe crowding, or complicated bite problems (malocclusion) generally fall outside the scope of their generalized training.
A dentist who offers comprehensive orthodontic treatment spends significantly less time on these procedures than an orthodontist. General dentists who attempt complex cases without specialist training risk less optimal outcomes due to the intricate nature of full bite correction. Therefore, they often refer patients with advanced needs to a specialist.
The Comprehensive Orthodontic Process
The journey toward a straighter smile begins with an initial consultation and the collection of diagnostic records. These records typically include panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, digital photographs, and 3D scans or impressions to create models of the patient’s bite. This detailed information allows the provider to accurately diagnose the misalignment and plan the precise movements needed for correction.
Following diagnosis, a customized treatment plan is developed, outlining the sequence of tooth movements and the expected duration, which can range from 18 to 36 months for comprehensive cases. The treatment phase starts with the placement of the chosen appliance, whether traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners. Regular adjustment visits are a scheduled part of the process, occurring every four to ten weeks, depending on the appliance and the treatment stage.
During these appointments, the provider makes minute modifications to the wires or provides the next set of aligners to guide the teeth according to the plan. The final stage is retention, which begins after the active movement phase is complete. Patients are fitted with a retainer, which must be worn as directed to stabilize the teeth in their new positions, preventing regression and maintaining the corrected bite for the long term.
Choosing the Best Provider for Your Needs
The decision of who should provide treatment should be based primarily on the difficulty of the case. For mild, simple cosmetic adjustments, a general dentist with specialized continuing education may be a suitable choice. However, if the case involves skeletal discrepancies, severe overbites or underbites, or requires multidisciplinary care like jaw surgery, a specialist is the standard.
Orthodontists have the extensive training and focused clinical experience required to manage the biological complexities of full dentofacial correction. Before committing to treatment, patients should ask the provider about their specific training, the number of similar cases they have completed, and whether they have completed a full, accredited residency program. Selecting a provider whose training matches the complexity of the required tooth and jaw movements helps ensure the safest and most effective result.