What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?  

Dentist and orthodontists both play an important role in looking after our smile. But, while most of us are used to visiting the dentist, not everyone has been to an orthodontist. Here’s how their skills differ from that of your dentist and whether you really need to see an orthodontist if you want straight teeth.  

What is an orthodontist? 

Orthodontics is its own branch of dentistry that is focused on diagnosing and treating problems related to the alignment of our teeth and jaws. Straight teeth aren’t just a nice-to-have. They are important part of a functioning mouth and can impact how you eat, chew and even speak.  

If you have crowded teeth, spacing problems, protrusion (such as an overbite or underbite) or bite problems you might need to see an orthodontist. They use their experience and specialty skills to: 

• Supervise correct facial growth and development in children 
• Diagnose misalignment and bite issues 
• Create treatment plans that include braces and retainers 
• Install dental appliances such as braces, palette expanders and orthodontic headgear 

Why see an orthodontist? 

Crooked and misaligned teeth can cause all sorts of problems. Crooked teeth are harder to clean between, which can lead to a buildup of plaque between teeth and lead to cavities. Some bite problems can make it harder to chew your food and may even be the cause of speech problems. 

What training does an orthodontist have? 

You might not know that in New Zealand orthodontists train first as a dentist and then complete three additional years of specialty training. An orthodontist will hold: 

• A General Dental Degree  
• A three-year Specialist Orthodontic Degree 

During their three-years of full-time specialist study, they’ll study orthodontics, biology and biomechanics, facial growth and development. These subjects allow them to diagnose alignment issues, treat crooked teeth and plan treatment options for orthodontics. 

I already have a dentist in Wellington; do I really need an orthodontist? 

Some dentists do offer limited orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign. But a dentist doesn’t have the specialist knowledge needed to diagnose all the potential bite issues that patients may come in for.  

Like a GP, dentist are general practitioners who can diagnose and treat a wide variety of problems that affect your teeth, mouth and gums.  

Just as your doctor might refer you to a specialist for some issues, a dentist will refer you to an orthodontist when you need more than just general care. 

If you want straight teeth, you should see a specialist orthodontist rather than a dentist that can fit Invisalign. They have extensive knowledge of the mechanics that are required to move teeth into the right place. This means they can diagnose and treat even the most complicated bit issues - something that dentists simply aren’t trained for. 

When is the best time to see an orthodontist? 

It's common for teenagers to be referred to an orthodontist by their dentist. At this age, dentists are often looking out for early signs of bite problems or misalignment. Teenager’s teeth respond well to orthodontic treatment as while they have all their adult teeth, their mouths are still developing. 

It’s worth noting that you don’t actually need a referral to see an orthodontist. If you have concerns about your bite (or that of your child) you can book a consultation directly with an orthodontist. Signs that you or your child might need orthodontic treatment can include: 

• Thumb sucking in early childhood 
• Crooked or wonky teeth 
• Gaps between teeth 
• Front teeth that stick over the bottom teeth (or vice versa) 
• Speech problems (a lisp, whistling while speaking etc) 
• Jaw pain or problems while chewing 

What should I look for in an orthodontist in Wellington?  

What you want in an orthodontist will differ, depending on your priorities. These are just some things to think about. 

Honesty 

Not everyone requires braces even if you have a tooth or two that’s slightly out of place. Straight teeth are easier to clean and floss between, but it’s also helpful to know just how important getting braces is to the functionality of your teeth.  

A gentle manner 

Getting orthodontics can be a daunting process and it requires a bit more responsibility when it comes to brushing and flossing. Choosing an orthodontist that you like and makes you feel at ease can make a big difference (especially for kids). 

Modern tech 

Modern orthodontic technology has come a long way in the past ten to twenty years. At Gentle Dental, we use 3D scanners to take a mould of your teeth – skipping the need for messy plaster. We also have ceiling mounted televisions to keep you entertained when you’re in the chair.  

Someone local 

Unlike visits to your dentist, which generally only happen once a year, you’ll need to see your orthodontist every couple of months. Most orthodontic treatments take between 12 and 24 months and you’ll need to have your braces tightened or adjusted every one to two months. Choosing someone local will save you a lot of travel time. 

Are there dental clinics that offer dentistry orthodontics? 

Yes, at Gentle Dental, we have a specialist orthodontist as part of our in-house team. This means if you need braces, we won’t refer you to separate provider. Instead, you'll be treated at our Ghuznee Street Clinic under our Gentle Braces team.  

Having your dentist and orthodontist in one place makes keeping up with all your dental appointments easy. It also ensures you’re getting specialist care and makes communication between your dentist and your orthodontist a lot more streamlined. Book an appointment by calling us at 0508 Gentle.