Orthodontists and dentists share similarities, and they work together to help you improve your overall oral health, but they actually work in very different ways.
What are the differences between an orthodontist and a dentist?
Your Dentist covers a broad range of oral health issues. An Orthodontist, on the other hand, is a dental specialist who focuses only on straightening  teeth, correcting improper bites and maximising facial aesthetics.
Many dentists will refer their patients to a qualified Orthodontist for facial, teeth and jaw alignment issues, but some will offer to complete orthodontic treatments themselves. This sometimes leads patients to assume that their dentist is an Orthodontist. The patient may proceed with treatment without getting a second opinion. The truth is that putting aligners or braces on teeth does not make a Dentist an Orthodontist.
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Orthodontists
- Orthodontists are dental specialists. In addition to a general dental degree, they have completed an extra three years of full-time university studies, training in the science of straightening teeth.
- 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 are experts in the full range of orthodontic treatment options and technologies for children, teens and adults.
Dentists
- Dentists have completed a General Dental Degree.
- They are experts in general dental care and maintenance for all ages.
- They diagnose and treat diseases of teeth gums and mouth such as decay and gum disease. They deliver everyday dental services as well as some cosmetic dental procedures such as tooth whitening, veneers and crowns.
- AHPRA (the medical governing body) does allow Dentists to supervise removable appliances and braces but unlike Orthodontists, Dentists are not usually comprehensively trained to oversee all aspects of orthodontic treatment.
- Many General Dentists will refer their patients to an Orthodontic Specialist for aligning teeth and jaws.
Your smile is one of your most important features and the first asset you present to the world, so you want to make sure it is in the best hands, with a fully trained specialist orthodontist.