What is the Difference Between a General Dentist and an Orthodontist?

General dentists are highly qualified professionals who are dedicated to the overall health, well-being, and beauty of your smile. They are trained to specialize in teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw. On the other hand, orthodontists are also dentists but they have received additional education to specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of teeth and jaws that are out of position. To become an orthodontist, a dentist must complete at least two additional years of coursework specific to the field of orthodontics. An orthodontist evaluates your bite to determine the best solution for your needs, such as braces.

They can help correct dental defects like crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and excessive bites or underbites. A dentist can refer patients to their preferred orthodontist if they determine that more oral care is needed that goes beyond the scope of general dentistry. It's important to remember that all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. While both dentists and orthodontists help keep your mouth healthy, they do so in different ways. Dentists focus on preventive care and general maintenance while orthodontists specialize in correcting misalignments in the teeth and jaw. To decide which one is the most suitable for you, it's important to understand the main aspects of each of them.

Dentists focus on preventive care and general maintenance while orthodontists specialize in correcting misalignments in the teeth and jaw. If you have any issues with your teeth or jaw alignment, it's best to consult an orthodontist for specialized treatment.

Alexa Bouchard
Alexa Bouchard

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