Orthodontist vs Dentist: What’s the Difference?

Two of the most common reasons people forego visiting dentists are the costs and the thought that the services are not that important. If you don’t go to the dentist, is it for one of these reasons?

Many people also have questions about the different types of dentists. For example, people often wonder what the difference is between a Calgary orthodontist vs. dentist. If this is a question you have, continue reading this guide to learn the main differences.

Dentists Focus on the Following Things

To understand the differences, take a look at the following things that dentists focus on with their services:

Preventative Oral Care

Dentists perform services that help people prevent oral issues. They provide checkups and cleanings, and they help people develop good daily habits. The goal is to help them prevent issues from developing.

Fixing Tooth Issues

Secondly, dentists fix basic problems with teeth. They remove and fill cavities, fix chipped teeth, and perform root canals when needed.

Treating Gum Problems

Dentists also help people learn how to protect their gums, and they provide treatment for gum problems. If your gums begin to recede, your dentist will help you determine how to fix this problem.

Referring Patients to Specialty Dentists

Dentists come in many forms, but the most common type is a general dentist. A general dentist can handle all the tasks listed here, but they often refer patients to specialty dentists when needed.

When you compare a dentist vs orthodontist, it’s important to know that an orthodontist is a specialty dentist. To discover what orthodontists do, continue reading.

Orthodontists Focus on Other Things

Orthodontists primarily focus on the alignment of teeth. As a result, here are the primary three focuses of orthodontists.

Straightening Teeth

An orthodontist is a type of dentist that people visit when they want straighter teeth. To help people achieve straighter teeth, orthodontists offer braces. Some offer traditional braces only, while others offer other options.

For example, many dentists use Invisalign as a form of orthodontic treatment. This option allows you to have straight teeth without people noticing that you have braces.

Solving Overcrowding Issues

People often want to have straight teeth to look nicer, but this is not the only thing that orthodontists worry about. When people have overcrowded and misaligned teeth, they can develop more oral issues.

Therefore, orthodontists help reduce the risks of oral issues by working to improve the alignment of teeth. As a result, braces offer nicer smiles and healthier mouths.

Adjusting Bite Issues and Jaw Alignment Problems

Finally, orthodontists work on adjusting bite issues and aligning the jaw. These issues also help improve the looks of teeth as well as the person’s overall oral health.

Orthodontist vs. Dentist: Which Do You Need?

Now that you understand the differences between an orthodontist vs. dentist, you probably know which type you need. If you’re still unsure about this, talk to your local dentist.

If you enjoyed learning the differences between an orthodontist and a dentist, you might enjoy other articles on our blog. Check it out today!