The Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist: Do You Need a Specialist?

What Does a Dentist Do?

A general dentist serves as your primary oral health care provider — similar to how a general practitioner is for your overall health. Dentists are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of dental and oral conditions affecting the teeth, gums, jaw, and mouth.

Their focus is on maintaining oral health, treating disease or damage, and educating patients about long-term dental care. Most people will see their dentist more frequently than any other specialist, which makes routine visits an important part of preventive healthcare.

Common services offered by general dentists include:

• Routine check-ups and professional cleanings: These help detect early signs of decay, gum disease, or oral cancer, and remove plaque or tartar that cannot be removed by brushing alone.
• Dental fillings, crowns, and bridges: Dentists restore damaged or decayed teeth with tooth-coloured fillings or protective restorations like crowns. Missing teeth may be replaced with fixed bridges to restore function and aesthetics.
• Tooth extractions: Teeth that are severely damaged, infected, or impacted (such as wisdom teeth) may be removed when necessary.
• Gum disease diagnosis and treatment: Dentists identify early signs of gingivitis or periodontitis and may perform deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to stop progression.
• Oral health education and lifestyle guidance: Dentists provide personalised advice on brushing, flossing, diet, and lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of decay, gum disease, and enamel erosion.
• Early detection of other health issues: During regular exams, dentists may spot signs of systemic conditions like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or sleep apnoea through oral symptoms — prompting timely medical referrals.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaw. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. To become an orthodontist, one must complete an additional 2 to 3 years of accredited residency training after dental school, focusing on jaw growth, bite alignment, and tooth movement mechanics.

Orthodontists don’t just straighten teeth for cosmetic reasons — they also improve how the teeth function together (called occlusion) to reduce strain on the jaw and help prevent long-term issues like tooth wear, jaw pain, and speech difficulties.

Orthodontists treat conditions such as:

• Crooked or misaligned teeth: Teeth that are not aligned properly within the jaw, often turned or angled due to space issues, delayed tooth eruption, or genetics. This can affect both appearance and bite function.
• Overbite: A condition where the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower front teeth. A deep overbite can cause excessive wear or even injury to the lower teeth or gums.
• Underbite: Happens when the lower front teeth extend past the upper front teeth. This is usually due to a larger lower jaw and can lead to chewing difficulties and jaw strain.
• Crossbite: One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth when chewing or closing the mouth. It can affect the front teeth, back teeth, or both.
• Open bite: When the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap. Often caused by habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
• Gaps between teeth: Extra space between two or more teeth, often caused by small teeth, missing teeth, or a mismatch between the jaw size and tooth size. Gaps can make teeth shift out of alignment over time.
• Jaw alignment problems: These involve discrepancies in how the upper and lower jaws fit together, which may result in bite issues, speech problems, or facial asymmetry. They often require orthodontic or surgical correction depending on severity.
• Crowded teeth: Occurs when there isn’t enough room in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly, causing them to overlap, twist, or become misaligned.

To correct these issues, orthodontists use a range of tools and appliances, such as:

• Traditional braces: Metal or ceramic brackets attached to the teeth to gradually move them into position.
• Clear aligners: Transparent, removable trays (like Invisalign) that guide teeth into alignment discreetly.
• Palatal expanders and space maintainers: Often used in children or teens to guide jaw growth and prevent future crowding.
• Retainers: Devices used after treatment to maintain alignment.

Orthodontists also monitor facial growth in children and may recommend early intervention to guide proper jaw development, potentially reducing the need for more extensive treatment later on.

By working closely with general dentists, orthodontists ensure that alignment and overall oral health go hand-in-hand throughout a patient’s treatment journey.

Key Differences Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist

Do You Need a Specialist?

Whether or not you need to see an orthodontist depends on your dental goals:

• If you're experiencing pain, decay, gum issues, or need a general check-up, your dentist is the right place to start.
• If you're concerned about how your teeth align or how your bite feels, an orthodontic evaluation may be beneficial.
• In many cases, your dentist can refer you to an orthodontist if they notice issues beyond their scope of treatment

Do Dentists and Orthodontists Work Together?

Absolutely. In fact, collaboration between your general dentist and orthodontist ensures comprehensive care. For example, your dentist may identify early signs of bite problems during a routine visit and refer you to an orthodontist before the issue worsens.

Similarly, if you're undergoing orthodontic treatment, your dentist continues to play a role in maintaining oral hygiene, monitoring for cavities, and managing gum health.

Related: Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces

Final Thoughts

Both dentists and orthodontists are essential for achieving and maintaining a healthy, confident smile. While your dentist helps preserve and restore oral health, an orthodontist ensures that your teeth are properly aligned and functioning as they should.

If you're unsure which professional to see, start with your general dentist — they can assess your needs and guide you toward the right treatment plan.