Are you wondering what the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is? While both are important for your oral health, these practitioners perform different duties, such as knowing who to see and how to get the right care for your mouth when you need it.

It’s important to note that every orthodontist is a dentist, but the reverse is not true. This post will delve into the distinctions between these two specialities, enabling you to grasp the difference and know when you should see a dentist vs orthodontist.

What does a Dentist do?

A dentist is much like a GP because they have a broad knowledge of all aspects of oral health. For instance, a dentist Berkhamsted can treat a cavity, perform a root canal, or even help with teeth whitening. They also perform checkups, cleanings, tooth extractions, fillings, x-rays, and more. Their education allows them to treat a wide range of issues within the mouth to deliver ongoing care when needed by patients and help to diagnose problems, give out assistance and advice on improving and maintaining good oral care and treat a wide range of the population with general dental healthcare issues much like your GP would.

If you have an issue with your mouth or teeth, such as an abscess, increased pain, lost or painful teeth, bleeding gums, etc., you should call a dentist who can schedule an appointment or do some further checks to help you find the cause of the issue and get the treatment you need to rectify your dental concern.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist will initially have attained the status of dentist before taking a more systematic approach to dentistry. Becoming an orthodontist requires three additional years of studying and training in orthodontics. What makes orthodontists different from general dentists is that they focus more on dental development than the mouth’s overall health.

Orthodontists, on the other hand, specialise in dental development, particularly in addressing issues like crooked teeth, misaligned jaws, and bad bites. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, your dentist is likely to refer you to an orthodontist who can provide the right treatment for your specific dental problem. Orthodontists work with individuals of all ages who are dealing with these issues. While they can offer general dental advice to support the treatment they’re providing, they typically don’t handle dental emergencies or routine treatments unless they’re directly related to the work they’re doing on your mouth. You can find an orthodontist Peterborough here.

Who should I see: Dentist vs Orthodontist?

For any general dental health issues, checkups, or dental emergencies such as missing teeth or infections, your first step should be to call a dentist and schedule an appointment. They are your primary resource for all your dental health queries and oral care. However, if you specifically require assistance with a bad bite, misaligned jaw, or crooked teeth, you can request a referral to an orthodontist. This way, you can take an active role in addressing your dental problems and ensure you’re receiving the most appropriate care.

Related posts:

Understanding the difference between General and Pediatric Dentists How to teach your kids about oral hygiene Your Guide to good dental health: everything you need to know 8 impressive benefits of teeth whitening that you can’t overlook