Orthodontists are dental specialists. They specialise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities to help correctly align teeth, bites and jaws, including straightening teeth. Orthodontists complete an additional three years of university training, on top of their general dental degree.
What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
Orthodontists and dentists share many similarities - they work together to help you improve your overall oral health - but they actually work in very different ways. Dentists cover a broad range of oral health issues. Orthodontists, on the other hand, focus on issues such as straightening teeth and correcting improper bite patterns. In order for patients to make informed decisions regarding treatment, it’s important to be aware of a few key differences between orthodontists and dentists:
Dentists
Dentists complete a University General Dental Degree. Unlike orthodontists, dentists are not trained in putting on braces and performing other orthodontic treatment at University, and most general dentists will refer patients requiring orthodontic treatment to specialist orthodontists.
A general dentist is similar to your family GP medical doctor – they are skilled general practitioners who can diagnose and treat problems and common diseases that affect your teeth, mouth and gums.
They are experts in general dental care and maintenance for all ages.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists are registered dental specialists who have completed an additional three years of full-time University Doctorate training in Orthodontics, that incluses facial growth and development, biology and biomechanics (they hold a General Dental Degree + Specialist Orthodontic Degree).
Orthodontists are facial growth and dental development experts. They diagnose and treat crooked teeth, bad bites and poorly aligned jaws.
Orthodontists are experts in all orthodontic treatment options and technologies for all ages.
