What Makes an Orthodontist Different from a Dentist?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should see a dentist or an orthodontist for your smile concerns, you’re not alone. While both professionals care for your oral health, their training, specialties, and treatment focus are quite different. Knowing the distinction can help you make more informed decisions about your care—and get the results you’re looking for.

What Is a Dentist?
A dentist is your go-to provider for overall oral health. They diagnose and treat issues related to teeth, gums, and the mouth. Most people see a dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. Dentists also:
• Fill cavities
• Treat gum disease
• Perform root canals
• Extract teeth
• Provide crowns, bridges, and sometimes cosmetic services like teeth whitening
Dentists complete four years of dental school after their undergraduate education and are trained to address a wide range of general dental needs.

What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has gone a step further. After completing dental school, orthodontists undergo 2–3 additional years of specialized training in the field of orthodontics. This advanced education focuses exclusively on the alignment of teeth and jaws, giving them the expertise to:
• Diagnose and treat bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
• Straighten crooked or crowded teeth using braces or clear aligners like Invisalign
• Guide jaw growth in younger patients through early orthodontic intervention
• Address spacing or alignment issues that affect both function and aesthetics
In short, orthodontists are the experts when it comes to how your teeth fit together and how your bite functions—both of which have a major impact on long-term oral health and appearance.

Why It Matters
You might see your dentist for a regular checkup and be referred to an orthodontist if they notice an issue with your alignment or bite. While some dentists offer clear aligners or cosmetic straightening services, only an orthodontist has the specialized training to diagnose and treat complex alignment problems safely and effectively.
Orthodontic treatment is more than just straightening teeth for a beautiful smile—it also helps improve chewing, speaking, and even breathing in some cases. Seeing the right specialist ensures your treatment is tailored to your specific needs and delivers lasting results.

Trust the Experts at Shine Ortho Studio
At Shine Ortho Studio, orthodontics is what we do—all day, every day. We focus solely on helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through expert care and personalized treatment plans. Whether you’re a teen ready for braces or an adult curious about Invisalign, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Curious if you or your child needs orthodontic care? Contact Shine Ortho Studio today to schedule a consultation and get the answers you need from the specialists who know smiles best.

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