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Dentist Vs Orthodontist: What’s the Difference

Dentist Vs Orthodontist: What's the Difference

At HQ Temple Dentist, many patients ask us: “Dentist vs Orthodontist—who should I see?” While both care for your teeth, their roles are very different. Understanding the difference helps you get the right treatment faster. Need help deciding? Call us at (254) 773-1672 — we’re here to guide you.

Although both dentist vs orthodontist are in charge of taking care of your mouth and teeth, there are some obvious distinctions between their methods. To assist you in better grasping the role and significance of each specialist, raed this guide on dentist vs orthodontist

Can My Dentist Be an Orthodontist?



It makes sense that you were confused. In the end, both dentists and orthodontists treat teeth. Both are dental school graduates and offer expert care that promotes patients’ dental health.

You can possibly think that your dentist is an orthodontist because they provide orthodontic services. Although they may appear to be similar, an orthodontist is not the same as a general dentist. Braces or aligners are used by orthodontists to straighten misaligned teeth.

Learn more about the dentist vs orthodontist the roles of a dentist and an orthodontist by reading on.

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Role Of Dentist



The general health of the mouth is the concern of dentists, who are often referred to as general dentists. Dentists remove failing teeth and treat decaying ones. They usually provide crowns, veneers, or bonding to restore the function and appearance of teeth that are damaged, distorted, or heavily decayed. Dentists search for oral health issues and teach patients how to maintain the health of their teeth.

Although general dentists are aware of dental issues, some people need more education. After completing four years of general dental education, specialists go on to pursue an additional two or more years of full-time advanced training at an accredited institution.

Orthodontics and dentofacial orthodontics are both fields included. For an extra 24 to 36 months, your orthodontist has been studying every aspect of the bite, including how teeth fit together, how they work, how they are aligned, how they are positioned in the jaws, and the sizes and positions of the upper and lower jaws.

Role of Your Orthodontist



Orthodontists are experts. They are committed to ensuring that your bite is comfortable and functions correctly, as well as that your smile is appealing.

You don't want to take any chances with your health. Both tooth straightening and bite alignment are complicated biological processes that call for more than a temporary solution. Because they specialize in both, orthodontists can create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) only admits orthodontists with the necessary training. Look for an AAO orthodontist in your area if you're searching for a reliable expert to begin your orthodontic adventure with.

Dentist Vs Orthodontist: Scope of Practice and Educational Differences



The practice of dentistry is authorized for general dentists. Even if they lack official post-dental school training in the speciality services, they may still be able to provide specialist care in several states.

The ability to execute a root canal, for instance, does not imply that a dentist is an endodontist. Even though a dentist can extract teeth, they are not necessarily oral surgeons. Similarly, just because a dentist can give braces or aligners to shift teeth does not mean that the dentist is an orthodontist.

Orthodontists must finish an education approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation in addition to dental school. This school offers specialised training, 3,700 hours to be exact, that is only focused on the movement of teeth, jawbones, face bones, and soft tissue. As a result, growth and development, also known as dentofacial orthopaedics, are better understood.

Should I wait for my child's dentist to suggest an orthodontist?



When parents see that their child's jaws or teeth are misaligned, they typically assume that their dentist is aware of this and will recommend an orthodontist. A recommendation might not be made, though, if the dentist is not evaluating the bite.

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