The Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist

Dentists and Orthodontists specialize in dental healthcare. Both are trained to identify and sort out issues related to the teeth, gums, mouth, and tongues of their patients.

However, Orthodontists get additional education to diagnose and treat patients whose teeth and jaws are not aligned properly. Dentists practice general dentistry after attending a graduate course in a school of dentistry.

Just like other medical practitioners, Dentists too undergo extensive training in dental healthcare before they become eligible to get a certification. Around four out of five dentists are general dentistry practitioners. 

All qualified Dentists diagnose, and cure conditions related to your gums, teeth, tongue, and mouth. They also clean your teeth. Additionally, Dentists conduct dental X-rays to diagnose them, extract teeth, fill cavities, promote dental well-being and hygiene, treat gingivitis, a gum disease, prescribe drugs for dental health, install crowns, whiten teeth, and perform dental procedures. 

While Orthodontists are dental care doctors, they also specialize in the alignment of teeth and jaw. Qualified orthodontists identify and administer treatment to fix dental health problems. To be more specific, Orthodontists specialize in ensuring that your teeth and jaw are aligned properly.

Furthermore, Orthodontists monitor children’s facial growth, carry out surgery to straighten teeth, and apply appliances, such as braces, retainers, and palatal expanders, among others. 