What’s the Difference Between a General Dentist & an Orthodontist

Home / General Information / What’s the Difference Between a General Dentist & an Orthodontist
What’s the Difference Between a General Dentist & an Orthodontist

What’s the Difference Between a General Dentist & an Orthodontist?

How many times a day or even a week, do you search for something on google? The internet has ushered in an amazing time, the Information Age. The downside to the vast knowledge of humankind at our fingertips is that there is a plethora of information that often is misinformation and/or confusing with conflicting articles available in top searches for consumers.

Myth or Fact?

Someone who offers braces or Invisalign is an orthodontist. That is in fact a myth. While general dentist are able to perform orthodontic treatment, only an Orthodontist has extended specialty training to properly move teeth and correct jaw and bite misalignments. Patients spend thousands of dollars and the most precious commodity of all, time, in orthodontic treatment. It’s wise to have your treatment completed by a specialist that can help you get the best results for your individual needs.

As your doctor these simple questions to save yourself and/or a child from a botched result:

  • Have you gone to an accredited orthodontic residency?
    • Why is this important? An orthodontist goes to a residency after dental school for an additional 2-3 years. These years are spent mastering the nuances of tooth movement and malocclusion to best treat patients.
  • Do you have before and after photos of your results that are similar to my mouth?
  • Do you perform procedures other than orthodontics, like fillings, root canals, etc?
    • Why is this important? If your dentist also does fillings, he or she is not an orthodontist. A general dentist can perform all types of dental procedures. An orthodontist only does orthodontic related work.

Hough Orthodontics in Manchester, MO and Winghaven, MO offers complimentary consults and exams. Call today for your exam and evaluation.