Is an Orthodontist a Dentist? Understanding the Specialization in Oral Health
Table of Contents
Introduction: Setting the Record Straight
When I first got suggestions like, “see a dentist for your cavity, but an orthodontist for your crooked teeth,” I realized it’s easy to get mixed up. So if you’re thinking, “Is an orthodontist a dentist?” the simple answer is yes! But there is a bit more to know.
In short, every orthodontist is a dentist, but not every dentist is an orthodontist. It’s kind of like saying, “All thumbs are fingers, but not all fingers are thumbs.” In this article, I’ll share how their training is different, what each of them does, and why it matters—not just for dental students, but for anyone getting ready for a dental visit.
The Foundation: Every Orthodontist Starts as a Dentist
Let’s start from the beginning. Every orthodontist starts out as a regular dentist. From talking to dental workers and reading sites like the American Dental Association, I learned it’s a long road.
The Journey Through Dental School
First, students get a four-year college degree, usually in biology or science. Then comes Dental School. You can get either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). Dental school is another four years of learning. Students study how teeth work, what can go wrong, how to treat them, and get a lot of hands-on time with real patients.
You have to pass tough exams to get your license to practice. Only then can you call yourself a dentist. At this point, you can do general dental work—cleanings, fillings, crowns, veneers, pulling teeth, and other everyday jobs.
That Dental Degree
Here’s the important point: every orthodontist I’ve met first became a dentist. That’s the base—a set of skills to take care of teeth and keep mouths healthy.
Beyond General Practice: The Path to Orthodontic Specialization
But what if fixing bites, straightening teeth, or working with jaw problems sounds interesting? Then you might want to become an orthodontist.
Orthodontic Residency: Learning the Art of Tooth Movement
After dental school, future orthodontists go into special training called residency. This is about two or three extra years of school, just on how teeth and jaws move.
During this training, they focus on fixing uneven bites, jaw troubles, and tricky cases that need braces or aligners (I’m talking about Invisalign too).
The end result? Someone who doesn’t just know about teeth, but knows how to move them to the right spot. Some orthodontists even get extra certificates to show they’re experts.
General Dentist vs. Orthodontist: What Sets Them Apart
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a general dentist and an orthodontist different, here’s what I’ve learned from dentists and my time as a patient.
Scope of Practice
General Dentist:
General dentists are like your main doctor for teeth. They do check-ups, cleanings, fix cavities, treat gum problems, and do some simple repairs. If you’ve needed a tooth pulled, a filling, or your teeth cleaned, you probably went to a general dentist.
Orthodontist:
Orthodontists work mostly on straightening teeth and fixing bites. They help when teeth are crowded, there are big gaps, or when your jaws don’t fit together right. They use braces, clear aligners, expanders, and other tools.
Conditions Treated
General Dentist:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Gum problems (like gingivitis)
- Broken or damaged teeth
- Dental check-ups and cleaning
- Repairs: crowns, bridges, fillings, pulling teeth
Orthodontist:
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite
- Crowded or twisted teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Jaw growth problems
- Getting ready for things like dental implants
- Retainers to keep teeth in place after treatment
Tools and Techniques
General dentists use everyday dental tools: drills, scalers, x-rays, and stuff for fillings and crowns (I got my last crown from a crown and bridge lab). Orthodontists use special tools—wires, brackets, 3D imaging, aligners, and expanders.
When to See a General Dentist
Most people see a general dentist first—and that’s smart. You should see a dentist for:
- Regular check-ups and teeth cleaning
- Tooth pain, cavities, or simple fixes (fillings, crowns, bridges)
- Gum troubles
- Dental emergencies (like a broken tooth or sudden pain)
- Help with daily brushing and flossing
- Many health plans want you to see a general dentist before seeing a specialist.
General dentists are like family doctors for your mouth. They keep your teeth in good shape and stop problems from getting worse.
When to See an Orthodontist
So, when do you need to see the tooth-straightening expert? I found this out when my dentist noticed my overbite.
Signs It’s Time for Orthodontic Help
- Teeth that are crooked, crowded, or far apart
- Trouble chewing, biting, or jaw pain
- Overbite, underbite, or other bite problems
- Big spaces between teeth
- Kids or adults who need their bite fixed for the long term
- Getting ready for implants, when teeth spacing is important
Orthodontic care is not just for kids. About one in four orthodontic patients in the U.S. is an adult now, says the American Association of Orthodontists. I even saw many grown-ups with clear aligners when I went to my orthodontist!
The Referral Process: Teamwork for Your Oral Health
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in figuring all this out. Your general dentist and orthodontist often work together for your care.
Usually, your dentist will notice if something’s off—maybe crooked teeth or a bite problem—and send you to an orthodontist. When I had braces, my dentist did regular cleanings and watched for any problems, while my orthodontist worked on straightening my teeth.
They talk to each other and share plans, which means you don’t have to keep track of everything. It’s like having a coach and a trainer—they help you as a team.
Why Specialization Matters: What I Learned About Orthodontic Experts
So, why does extra training matter? After having braces myself, I think it comes down to one thing: skill.
When I started my treatment, I noticed my orthodontist really paid attention to details. It’s not just about putting on some braces—it’s about moving teeth safely and making sure your bite looks and works right for years.
Here’s what specialization really means:
Orthodontists spend tons of hours learning about how teeth and jaws fit and move. They use advanced pictures and digital dental lab tech that general dentists usually don’t.
Orthodontists use cool new things like 3D models and special retainers for straightening and keeping teeth in place.
My orthodontist made a step-by-step plan just for me. You don’t really need that kind of plan for simple dental work.
The goal is not just to make your smile look better, but to make it last. Board-certified orthodontists really focus on this.
Common Questions About Dentists and Orthodontists (FAQs)
Here are some questions I’ve heard (and even asked myself).
Can a general dentist put on braces?
Yes, some general dentists can do simple cases with braces or aligners. But for big jaw or bite changes, it’s best to see an orthodontist.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
Usually you don’t, but I found seeing my dentist first helped spot other problems. So it’s a good start.
How long does it take to become an orthodontist?
A long time! Most spend 10-11 years after high school: four in college, four in dental school, and two or three in orthodontic training.
Is orthodontic treatment just for kids?
Nope! Adult orthodontics is growing fast. Clear aligners and ceramic braces mean adults can get their teeth straightened too.
Can orthodontists do regular dental work?
They’re trained for it, since they started as dentists. But most orthodontists focus on alignment and leave regular check-ups and fillings to general dentists.
Final Thoughts: My Personal Take on Dental Specialties
What did I learn most? Trust their training—ask questions if you’re curious.
- Orthodontists and dentists both have important jobs.
- Every orthodontist started as a dentist first, then did years of extra school to learn all about moving teeth.
- You need both: your general dentist for regular care, your orthodontist when your teeth need to move.
If you’re making dental choices—whether it’s a cleaning, braces, or fixing missing teeth—talk to both kinds of experts. They’ll walk you through it.
I’ve learned a lot from great dental professionals and seen how things like 3D dental labs and better pictures are making care even better. No matter what you need, remember: a healthy, happy smile starts with a smart dental team.
Reviewed by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS—General Dentist and Dental Teacher
