Whats the difference between a general dentist and an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has spent an additional two years or more in an advanced, intensive educational program to be certified in the science of facial growth and tooth movement from an accredited dental school. Graduation is not the end of the education. Orthodontists advance their knowledge through continuing education courses which also satisfy the state law requirements. In contrast to the general dentist, orthodontists limit their practice to the specialty of orthodontics in order to serve your better. In fact, the American Dental Association has issued the following statement: The American Dental Association has recognized that Specialists are necessary to protect the public, nurture the art and science of dentistry and improve the quality of care. Specialists are recognized in those areas where advanced knowledge and skills are essential to maintain or restore oral health. The American Dental Association has further stated that a specialty (such as Orthodonti
An Orthodontist has attended two additional years of schooling, as previously mentioned, Once the Orthodontist becomes an Orthodontist, that area of Dentistry (Orthodontics) is the only type of Dental work the Orthodontist can perform. No fillings, crowns, root canals, etc.
One would want to see an Orthodontist for "one" reason alone, to have Orthodontic type of work done (Which generally means the straightening of teeth). However General (Regular) Dentists, can do most all types of work to do with the teeth, such as fillings, crowns, root canals, etc. They are NOT limited to "one" scope of Dentistry. Interestingly, if a General Dentist is so inclined "feel comfortable" he or she can likewise do Orthodontics. I know hundreds of General Dentists who do Orthodontics, & do it well. They generally save the patient a bit, as they generally charge less (Two less years of schoooling). I should point out here however, that if it were my child who needed braces, I’d feel comfortable asking a General Dentist to do the Orhodontics (After asking him how long he’s been doing them, and realizing, my child would not be his first case). If, however, if my child needed braces & it was a DIFFICULT case (Involved), I’d likewise rather intentionally have the Orthodontics done by an Orthodontist & not the General Dentist. After all, most Dentists receive some or moderate Orthodontic training in Dental School, but the Orthodontist receives 2 additional years training, and thus would be more inclined to be able to treat the DIFFICULT cases that are more involved.
