What's The Difference Between a Dentist And an Orthodontist?

 

The fields that are aligned to promote better oral health for individuals help in different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical term that includes the treatment of teeth, jaws, gums, etc., whereas orthodontics is a subspecialty of dentistry that concentrates on occlusion, bite correction, and straightening of teeth. According to the ADA, about 80% of practicing dentists are general practitioners, while the rest are credited as orthodontists.

 

During the pandemic, many people resorted to binge-eating unhealthy foods that negatively affected their oral health.  

 

If you're one of those unlucky individuals, stick around. We're listing down the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist, so you know who to consult next time you have a dental emergency!  


 



1. Specialized vs. General Practitioners

Orthodontists are registered specialists who've completed a full-time university training in orthodontics, facial growth, and development. In comparison, dentists are general practitioners who deal with everyday problems that affect your mouth, teeth, and gums.

2. Expert vs. General Care

Moreover, orthodontists specialize in treating crooked teeth, bite structure, and facial growth and development. Whereas dentists deal in the general maintenance of oral hygiene. 

 


 

3. Services

When it comes to the services, orthodontists mainly deal with issues related to misaligned teeth, underbite, overbite, and crossbites. An orthodontist can also treat jaw-related issues, such as corrective jaw surgeries, etc. In contrast, dentists offer overall dental care and provide services, including root canals, veneers, teeth whitening, dentures, and more.

 

Choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist should be based on your oral problem. If you're looking for a routine dental checkup, taking an opinion from the dentist will be your preference. But, any situation that needs specialization or an invasive procedure should be treated by an orthodontist.


 

As a dental service provider, we genuinely care about your dental needs; that's why at Advanced Dental Center, our experienced dentists utilize safe, advanced tools to provide pain-free cosmetic and family dentistry solutions. We also offer emergency denture care, teeth whitening, and fluoride treatment. Book an appointment for your dental treatment in Germantown, or call us at (301) 353-8890 today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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