Have you ever wondered why some tooth doctors call themselves dentists while others call themselves orthodontists? Both help keep your teeth healthy and looking good, but they do different jobs. Let’s find out how they are different!
What Does a Dentist Do?
A dentist is like your tooth doctor. They take care of your whole mouth to keep it healthy. When you go to the dentist, they:
- Clean your teeth to remove sticky stuff called plaque
- Check for holes in your teeth (cavities)
- Fix broken or damaged teeth
- Take X-rays to see inside your teeth
- Pull out teeth that can’t be saved
- Help keep your gums healthy
- Put in fillings when you have cavities
- Make crowns to cover badly damaged teeth
- Check for mouth problems like sores or bumps
Think of your dentist like your family doctor, but just for your mouth. Most people see their dentist two times every year for check-ups.
Dentist Training
Dentists go to school for a long time to learn how to fix teeth. They spend:
- 4 years in college
- 4 more years in dental school
After 8 years of school, they get a degree that lets them be a dentist. This degree might be called a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine).
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a special kind of tooth doctor. They focus on how your teeth fit together and how straight they are. When you go to an orthodontist, they:
- Straighten crooked teeth
- Fix overbites (when top teeth stick out too far)
- Fix underbites (when bottom teeth stick out too far)
- Help with crowded teeth (when teeth are too close together)
- Make sure your bite is right (how your top and bottom teeth meet)
- Put on braces or clear aligners like Invisalign
- Help with jaw growth problems
Orthodontists are the experts at making teeth line up just right. They know all about moving teeth safely to new spots in your mouth.
Orthodontist Training
Here’s the big difference: Orthodontists are dentists who went to school even longer! They do:
- 4 years in college
- 4 years in dental school (becoming a dentist first)
- 2-3 more years learning just about straightening teeth and fixing bites
That’s up to 11 years of school! This extra training is why orthodontists know so much about moving teeth.
Key Differences Between Dentists and Orthodontists
Let’s look at the main ways dentists and orthodontists are different:
Education and Training
| Dentist | Orthodontist |
| 8 years total schooling | 10-11 years total schooling |
| General dental degree | Dental degree plus orthodontic specialty |
| Trained for overall mouth health | Extra training just for tooth movement and jaw alignment |
What They Treat
| Dentist | Orthodontist |
| Cavities | Crooked teeth |
| Gum problems | Bad bites |
| Tooth pain | Crowded teeth |
| Missing teeth | Spaces between teeth |
| Cleaning teeth | Jaw alignment |
| Tooth infections | Growth of face and jaws |
Tools They Use
Dentists use:
- Drills
- Picks
- Dental mirrors
- Filling materials
- X-ray machines
- Cleaning tools
Orthodontists use:
- Braces
- Clear aligners (like Invisalign)
- Retainers
- Expanders
- Special X-rays of your whole head
- Growth measuring tools
When Should You See a Dentist?
You should see your dentist:
- Every 6 months for check-ups
- When you have a toothache
- If your gums bleed
- When you chip or break a tooth
- If you have bad breath that won’t go away
- When you need your teeth cleaned
- If you see a strange spot in your mouth
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
You should see an orthodontist:
- If your teeth are crooked
- When your teeth are crowded
- If your bite feels “off”
- When you have spaces between teeth
- If your top and bottom teeth don’t line up
- By age 7 for a first check-up (kids)
- If your dentist refers you
Did You Know? First Orthodontist Visit by Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists says kids should see an orthodontist by age 7. Why so young? Because at this age:
- Some baby teeth are gone
- Some adult teeth have come in
- The orthodontist can spot problems early
- Some problems are easier to fix when kids are still growing
- Early treatment might prevent bigger problems later
How Dentists and Orthodontists Work Together
Dentists and orthodontists are like teammates. They work together to give you the best smile possible. Here’s how:
- Your dentist checks your overall mouth health
- If your dentist sees crooked teeth or bite problems, they may send you to an orthodontist
- The orthodontist straightens your teeth
- During orthodontic treatment, you still see your dentist for regular check-ups
- Your dentist makes sure your teeth stay healthy while they’re being moved
- After orthodontic treatment, your dentist helps keep your new smile healthy
This teamwork keeps your mouth in the best shape possible!
The Three A’s of Modern Orthodontics at Aligned on Pearl
At Aligned on Pearl in Denver, Dr. Vanderstelt focuses on the “Three A’s” of orthodontics:
Airway
Did you know straight teeth can help you breathe better? Many people with crooked teeth or bad bites also have breathing problems. Modern orthodontists check how well you breathe and can help fix airway issues. This can help with:
- Better sleep
- More energy
- Fewer headaches
- Less mouth breathing
Alignment
Straight teeth aren’t just pretty – they work better too! When teeth are lined up right:
- You can chew food better
- Teeth wear down more evenly
- Cleaning is easier
- There’s less stress on your jaw muscles
Aesthetics
Of course, a straight smile looks great! A beautiful smile can:
- Make you feel more confident
- Help you want to smile more
- Make you look friendly
- Last your whole life
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Modern orthodontists offer many ways to straighten teeth. At Aligned on Pearl, options include:
Clear Aligners
These are nearly invisible plastic trays that straighten your teeth. You can take them out to eat and brush. Even kids can use them!
Damon Self-Ligating Braces
These modern braces don’t need rubber bands to hold the wire. They are:
- More comfortable
- Easier to clean
- Often work faster than old-style braces
InBrace Hidden Braces
These go behind your teeth where no one can see them. They’re great for people who don’t want anyone to know they have braces.
Expanders
These help make the jaw wider. They can:
- Create more room for crowded teeth
- Help with breathing problems
- Improve face shape
- Sometimes prevent the need for pulling teeth
Choosing Between a Dentist and Orthodontist for Braces
Some dentists offer braces or clear aligners. So how do you choose?
Remember that orthodontists have:
- 2-3 extra years of training just in moving teeth
- More experience with complicated cases
- Deep knowledge of jaw growth and development
- The skills to handle problems that might come up
While a dentist might be able to handle simple cases, an orthodontist is the real expert at moving teeth safely and effectively.
Final Thoughts
Both dentists and orthodontists are important for your smile. Your dentist keeps your teeth healthy and strong, while an orthodontist makes sure they’re straight and work well together.
Think of it this way: A dentist is like a family doctor for your mouth, handling many different issues. An orthodontist is like a specialist who focuses deeply on one area – your bite and tooth alignment.
For the best smile possible, you need both! Regular visits to your dentist and, if needed, treatment from an orthodontist will give you a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
If you’re in Denver and wondering if you or your child might need orthodontic treatment, come visit us at Aligned on Pearl. Dr. Vanderstelt can check your Three A’s – Airway, Alignment, and Aesthetics – and help you get the smile you deserve.