This article looks at the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. First, we’ll go over a summary of the two positions and then lay out the main differences between them.
What is a dentist?
A dentist is a medical professional who is trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Dentists typically complete a four year undergraduate degree followed by four years of dental school. After graduation, dentists must pass a licensure exam in order to practice.
Dentists focus on general dentistry and preventative care. This means that they are trained to identify oral health problems and provide treatment. They also work to prevent oral health problems from developing by teaching patients about good oral hygiene habits.
Dentists have a wide range of responsibilities, including cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, diagnosing oral health problems, treating cavities and tooth decay, and providing guidance on how to maintain good oral health. In some cases, dentists may offer solutions such as braces or Invisalign.
If you have any concerns about your oral health, it is important to consult with a dentist. They will be able to assess your individual needs and provide guidance on how to maintain good oral health — especially if you’re in pain. Braces can help alleviate pain related to the way your teeth sit together, or to the positioning of your jaw.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The word “orthodontics” comes from the Greek words “orthos”, meaning “straight”, and “dentia”, meaning “teeth”. Orthodontists use braces, retainers, and other appliances to align teeth and jaws in patients of all ages in order to improve their dental health, function, and appearance.
Difference between a dentist and an orthodontist
An orthodontist is a specialist who has undergone additional training to straighten teeth and align jaws. They use braces, retainers, and other appliances to achieve these results. A dentist also completes a four-year undergraduate degree, but their focus is on general dentistry and preventative care. Some orthodontist types can be special, such as Dr. Rodrigo F. Viecilli, DDS, PhD, who not only has a residency but is board certified and has a PhD research degree where he deeply researched the biomechanics and won the top American Association of Orthodontist award for his research in 2009. He also invented the best archwire in the world, the Smartarch.
While both an orthodontist and dentist are highly educated and licensed professionals, an orthodontist has completed additional training specifically related to straightening teeth and aligning jaws. This extra training can be either a two or three-year residency program after graduation from dental school or an additional three years of schooling at an accredited orthodontic program.
In addition to having the knowledge to perform teeth alignment and jaw correction, an orthodontist also has access to more specialized equipment. This means that they can provide a wider range of treatment options to their patients. For example, an orthodontist may use braces, retainers, or other appliances to achieve the desired results.
If you are considering straightening your teeth or correcting your bite, it is important to consult with an orthodontist. They will be able to assess your individual needs and create a treatment plan that is right for you.