Choosing Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist
Although a dentist and an orthodontist often complement each other, their fields of expertise are far from interchangeable.
For many patients, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between the two professions, which makes it understandably confusing to know which dental professional to call!
And yet, this distinction is essential for accurate diagnosis, appropriate care and lasting results.
To help you better understand your options and guide you toward the dental health professional best suited to your needs, Dr. Normand Bach explains the key differences between a dentist and an orthodontist.
Complementary but Distinct Professions
Dentists and orthodontists both work in the field of dentistry. They have undergone extensive university training, during which they have acquired the fundamental knowledge to ensure the oral health and well-being of their patients.
They share a common goal: taking care of your smile!
However, the similarities between these two professions end here.
While dentists focus on general oral health, orthodontists specialize, thanks to their additional training, in the treatment of malocclusions and dental misalignments.
The Dentist: A Generalist in Oral Health
The dentist is often the first-line professional in oral health care.
Their role is to ensure optimal health of the teeth, oral tissues and tongue, by preventing and treating common oral problems as needed.
They work with you throughout your life to help you keep a healthy mouth and smile.
The dentist’s responsibilities include:
- Routine examination
- Cleaning and scaling
- Cavity treatment
- Checking and treating gum disease
- Dental extractions
- Placing crowns, bridges or implants
The dentist is also often the one who, during an examination, detects early signs of malocclusion or abnormal development of the teeth or jaws, particularly in children.
In such cases, they will refer the patient to an orthodontist for a more precise and thorough assessment.
Orthodontist: A Specialist in Tooth and Jaw Alignment
The orthodontist is a dentist specialized in orthodontics, a branch of dentistry dedicated to the analysis, prevention and treatment of abnormal tooth and jaw positions.
Thanks to their in-depth training, orthodontists are the only professionals qualified to make precise diagnoses and design personalized orthodontic treatment plans aimed at realigning teeth and jaws, using either fixed appliances such as self-ligating brackets, or removable appliances such as Invisalign aligners.
They treat complex problems such as:
- Malocclusions
- Overlapping or crowded teeth
- Excessive spaces between teeth
- Maxillary growth anomalies
- Palate irregularities
When intervening, the orthodontist takes into account both functional aspects (chewing, breathing, phonation) and aesthetic objectives, with the aim of achieving a balanced, lasting and personalized result.
Do I Need to See a Dentist Before Seeing an Orthodontist?
No, you don’t need a referral from a dentist to see an orthodontist.
If you notice any irregularities in the alignment of your child’s teeth, or if you would like to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile and the function of your jaws, you can make an appointment directly with an orthodontist for an assessment.
In fact, the Association des orthodontistes du Québec recommends a first orthodontic consultation around the age of 7. At this age, many developmental problems can already be detected, even if all the permanent teeth are not in place yet. In most cases, early intervention can facilitate future treatment or prevent certain anomalies from worsening.
Dentists and Orthodontists: Each Their Role
Although their roles are quite different, dentists and orthodontists work together to accomplish a common mission: ensuring their patients’ optimal oral health.
However, when it comes to tooth and jaw alignment, the orthodontist’s expertise is invaluable.
With his Doctorate in Dental Medicine, multidisciplinary residency certificate, Master of Science degree, specialization in orthodontics and some twenty years of clinical experience, Dr. Normand Bach has all the knowledge and skills needed to provide his patients with professional, rigorous orthodontic care.
For a precise assessment, a personalized treatment plan and a perfectly aligned smile, trust your orthodontist!
