Choosing the right professional for your smile can feel confusing. Your family dentist handles cleanings and cavities, but who do you call when your child’s teeth come in crooked or your bite feels off? The short answer: an orthodontist. Here’s what sets these two roles apart and how to know which one you need.
Dentist vs. Orthodontist: The Quick Answer
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Dentists focus on your overall oral health, including teeth, gums, and everyday care. Orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and other appliances.
Both professionals graduate from dental school. Orthodontists then complete 2-3 additional years of residency training in a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). According to the American Association of Orthodontists, only a small percentage of dentists go on to become orthodontists, making it a true dental specialty.
At Hawley Orthodontics, that specialist focus is what we do every single day. Dr. Nate Hawley and Dr. Chanel Torres dedicate their practice entirely to straightening smiles and correcting bites for kids, teens & adults. When you choose a specialist practice, you’re choosing a team whose training, tools, and daily experience center on one goal: creating YOUR best smile.
How Each Professional Is Trained and What They Do
Understanding the training gap helps explain why each professional plays a different role in your care.
What Foundation Do Both Share in Dental School?
Both dentists and orthodontists earn either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) after four years of dental school. That’s where the shared path ends. Both learn anatomy, oral pathology, restorative techniques, and patient care basics side by side before choosing whether to enter general practice or pursue further specialty training.
Where Does Orthodontist Training Go Further?
After dental school, orthodontists complete a full-time residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. These CODA-accredited programs typically add thousands of hours of focused study in tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction. This extra training is why specialists can plan and manage cases that go well beyond straightening a few teeth.
What Do General Dentists Do?
Your general dentist is your first line of defense for oral health. Their scope includes:
- Routine cleanings and exams
- Fillings, crowns, and bridges
- Root canals and extractions
- Gum health and periodontal care
- Cosmetic services like whitening and veneers
Dentists are also the ones most likely to spot early alignment or bite concerns during your regular checkups, which is often how a referral to an orthodontist starts.
What Do Orthodontists Do?
Orthodontists focus on how your teeth and jaws fit and function together. Their services include:
- Metal braces and clear braces
- Invisalign and other clear aligners
- Retainers to maintain results
- Bite correction (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
- Jaw alignment and growth guidance in children
Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres are AAO members, which means they stay current on the latest research, techniques, and technology in the field.
Benefits of Seeing a Specialist Orthodontist
When your smile needs more than a cleaning, a specialist brings advantages a general practice simply can’t match. Here’s why so many families choose a dedicated orthodontic office over a general dentist for tooth and bite alignment.
- Deeper expertise in tooth movement. Orthodontists spend years studying the biology and mechanics of moving teeth safely. That means better planning, fewer surprises, and results built to last.
- Advanced technology. Digital 3D scans replace goopy, gaggy impressions. Treatment planning software lets you preview your new smile before you ever start. At Hawley Orthodontics, we invest in tools that make your experience smoother and more predictable.
- A full range of treatment plan options under one roof. Metal braces, clear braces, self-ligating braces, and Invisalign are all available at Hawley Orthodontics. No upcharges for aesthetic options. You pick what fits your lifestyle.
- Better outcomes for complex cases. Severe crowding, deep overbites, open bites, and jaw misalignment often need a specialist’s touch. Orthodontists train specifically for these situations.
- Ongoing education. As active AAO members, Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres continue learning throughout their careers. The field evolves quickly, and so do we.
- Tailored treatment for every age. Kids benefit from early evaluations that can guide jaw development. Teens want options that fit their social lives. Adults want discreet solutions that fly under the radar. A specialist tailors the plan to fit.
Specialist training paired with patient-centered care leads to smoother experiences and stronger results. That focus on one field, day in and day out, is what sets an orthodontic practice apart from a general dental office.
Dentist vs. Orthodontist: Side-by-Side Comparison
Sometimes the clearest way to see the differences is in a simple table.
| Category | General Dentist | Orthodontist |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 4 years of dental school (DDS or DMD) | Dental school + 2-3 year CODA-accredited residency |
| Scope of Care | Preventive care, restorations, oral disease treatment | Tooth and jaw alignment, bite correction |
| Common Services | Cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions | Braces, Invisalign, retainers, expanders |
| Typical Visit Frequency | Every 6 months | Every 4-8 weeks during active treatment |
| When to See | Routine checkups, tooth discomfort, gum issues | Crooked teeth, bite concerns, jaw concerns |
How Do Referrals Usually Work?
Many patients first hear about orthodontic care from their family dentist. During routine exams, dentists spot alignment or bite issues and refer patients to a specialist. That said, you don’t need a referral to book a free consult. You can come straight to an orthodontist on your own.
Can a General Dentist Do Braces?
Yes, some general dentists offer limited orthodontic services. However, complex cases involving jaw growth, severe crowding, or significant bite concerns benefit from a specialist’s advanced training. Think of it like this: your family doctor can treat many things, but you’d see a cardiologist for a heart concern.
What About Pediatric Dentists?
Pediatric dentists are a third related category. They specialize in children’s dental care from infancy through the teen years but are not orthodontists. Many pediatric dentists partner with orthodontists when their patients need alignment care.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
Orthodontic care is usually billed separately from general dental care. Many dental insurance plans include a separate orthodontic benefit, often with a lifetime maximum rather than an annual one. That means it’s worth checking your policy before starting treatment.
Costs vary based on case complexity, treatment length, and the type of appliance you choose. Simple cases cost less than complex ones. Metal braces and Invisalign are often priced similarly at specialist practices.
One thing worth noting: specialist pricing is often comparable to dentist-provided orthodontics once you factor in revisions, extended timelines, or later referrals to a specialist to correct issues. Choosing a specialist upfront can save time and money.
Many orthodontic offices also offer flexible payment plans, monthly financing, and in-house options to keep care within reach for families on different budgets. Asking about payment structures during your first visit gives you a clear picture of what your investment looks like from start to finish, so there are no surprises down the road.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
Not sure if it’s time? Watch for these signs in yourself or your child:
- Crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Open bite (front teeth don’t touch when biting down)
- Jaw discomfort or clicking
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing or thumb-sucking habits in children
- Teeth that stick out or don’t line up properly
The AAO recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That doesn’t mean treatment starts at 7. It means a specialist can catch potential issues early, when guiding jaw growth is easiest.
Adults are absolutely candidates too. Clear braces and Invisalign make treatment discreet enough for professional settings. And you don’t need a referral from your dentist to book a free consult. Just call the orthodontic office of your choice or schedule online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can an orthodontist do that a dentist can’t?
Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating complex alignment and jaw issues. This includes severe crowding, significant bite concerns, jaw growth concerns in children, and coordinating care that involves multiple appliances. Their residency training focuses entirely on tooth movement and facial development, giving them expertise general dentists don’t typically have.
Is an orthodontist better than a dentist?
Neither is “better,” they simply serve different roles. Your dentist keeps your teeth and gums healthy through routine care and restorations. Your orthodontist straightens teeth and corrects bites. You need both for complete oral health, and they often work together to give you the best results.
Who is more qualified for braces, a dentist or an orthodontist?
Orthodontists have more specialized training for braces and aligners. After dental school, they complete 2-3 additional years of residency focused entirely on tooth movement and bite correction. For most cases, especially those involving jaw growth or complex alignment, a specialist is the more qualified choice.
Can a dentist do braces?
Yes, some general dentists offer limited orthodontic services like clear aligners for mild cases. However, their scope is narrower than a specialist’s. For anything beyond minor tooth movement, an orthodontist’s advanced training and experience typically produce better, more predictable results.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
No. You can book directly with an orthodontist without a referral from your dentist. Free consultations are open to anyone curious about their smile. Many patients come in on their own after noticing something they’d like to improve.
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that age, enough permanent teeth have come in for a specialist to spot potential issues. Early evaluation doesn’t mean early treatment. It just gives your child the best chance for a healthy, well-aligned smile down the road.
What technology do modern orthodontists use?
Today’s specialists rely on digital 3D scanning, treatment planning software, and clear aligner systems that let patients preview results before starting. These tools replace goopy, gaggy impressions and make the whole experience faster, more comfortable, and easier to understand. Ask any orthodontist about the tools they use during your first visit.