What’s The Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

Dentists and orthodontists both help improve your oral health, so it’s important to visit both when you need them. But how do you know which one to go to for your different health issues?

While both can improve your overall oral health and look for signs of other related issues, as well as the appearance of your teeth there are distinct differences between the two.

You would see your dentist for:

· Cleanings

· Fillings

· Extractions

· Replacing missing teeth

· Tooth pain

And you would visit your orthodontist for:

· Straighten crooked teeth

· Close gaps

· Fix overbite and underbite

· Make teeth fit properly

· Fix crossbite

An orthodontist will spend an additional two or three years of schooling, which is solely focussed on the alignment of the teeth for aesthetics as well as adjusting the bite for long term function.

A common treatment may involve braces or retainers which are to correct crooked teeth, abnormal spacing between teeth – either too much or too little – an overbite or underbite, or to simply improve the appearance of your smile.

Dental retainers work by applying constant pressure on your teeth until they have moved to the desired position and stay there.

Another important issue is jaw alignment. The orthodontist works with an oral surgeon to prepare the teeth for jaw surgery when correcting a severe overbite or underbite. These surgeries can be truly life-changing for the patient.

How dentists and orthodontists work together

You should always have a dental exam and cleaning before beginning orthodontic treatment. If your dentist knows you are interested in orthodontics, they will coordinate your treatment plan with that of the orthodontist for the most functional and aesthetic outcome.

If possible, wait to get crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, and sometimes even extractions until after your orthodontic exam. During your treatment with an orthodontist, you will still need to see your dentist for regular exams and cleanings.

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