Differences Between Dentists and Orthodontists

When it comes to taking care of your oral health, we understand that all the various terms, products, equipment, and services might get a tad confusing. In particular, we’ve noticed that some of our clients like us to clarify the difference between dentists and orthodontists. While both are professions that work to provide clients oral care, there are some main differences between the two. Here is a handy guide from the team at Dental Solutions of Avon explaining just what those are:

Dentists…

• Have earned either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine)
• Focus on providing overall, long-term oral care, maintenance, and education
• Treat the teeth, gums, and mouth
• Offer services such as check-ups, teeth cleaning, x-ray examinations, and oral cancer screenings as well as fillings, bridges, crowns, and teeth whitening

Orthodontists…

• Have completed further post-graduate education specializing in orthodontics in addition to their dental degree
• Focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth, malocclusions or bad bites, and dental or jaw complications, whether for cosmetic or health reasons
• Correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, overcrowding, and impacted teeth
• Offer more complex treatments using a range of dental applications, such as braces, wires, bands, retainers, and space maintainers

Finally, when differentiating between dentists and orthodontists, here are two helpful statements to keep in the back of your mind:

• Think of the two professions as you would when visiting medical doctors for your health: You may see a general practitioner regularly but then a specialized doctor, such as a surgeon, for specific concerns.
• All orthodontists are dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists.

We hope that clears things up! If you have any further questions, please contact us at Dental Solutions of Avon and we would be happy to help. Make an appointment at Dental Solutions of Avon today for a bright and beautiful smile.