When it comes to oral health, many people assume that the only difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is that the latter manages and works with orthodontic appliances. However, this is not the case. Orthodontists specialize in issues related to the alignment of the teeth and the improvement of the patient's “bite”, while general dentists, also known as family dentists, take care of your oral health on a regular basis. General dentists are responsible for preventive oral care, such as regular dental cleanings, dental x-rays, and educating patients about proper oral care at home.
They also provide restorative oral care, such as treating tooth decay by replacing it with artificial fillings, repairing cracked, chipped, or missing teeth, and whitening services. Additionally, they treat oral problems caused by gum disease and root problems below the gum line. Your general dentist can also guide you through the process of placing braces, false teeth, mouth guards, and other treatments. Because your general dentist is the health professional you're likely to see most often, he'll also monitor the health of your mouth, neck, and head to make sure there are no problems.
A dentist is a doctor trained to specialize in the teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw. Orthodontists are also dentists but their specialty in dentistry focuses on correcting bites, occlusion (the way teeth come into contact with each other), and the straighteness of the teeth. In conclusion, while both dentists and orthodontists are doctors trained to specialize in oral health care, their roles differ significantly. General dentists provide preventive and restorative oral care while orthodontists specialize in correcting bites and straightening teeth. It is important to understand these differences when deciding which type of doctor is best for your needs.
