When it comes to your smile, you might find yourself asking, “Do I need an orthodontist or a general dentist?” Understanding the roles of these two dental professionals is key to getting the right care. While both orthodontists and general dentists contribute to your overall oral health, their areas of expertise are quite different. So, do orthodontists perform general dentistry? Let’s break it down and clear up any confusion.
What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry refers to the overall care and maintenance of oral health. It involves a wide variety of services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and preventive treatments like fluoride applications. A general dentist is often your go-to professional for any dental issues, whether you need a cleaning, treatment for gum disease, or a simple filling.
General dentistry is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and it lays the foundation for any further dental treatments you might need. Dentists in this field have a broad skill set, including diagnosing and treating conditions like cavities, gum disease, and dental infections.
What Do Orthodontists Do?
Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. Their primary goal is to help you achieve a proper bite and alignment of your teeth, which can improve both function and aesthetics. Common treatments provided by orthodontists include braces, clear aligners, and retainers. They also handle jaw alignment issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Orthodontics goes beyond aesthetics. It also plays a role in enhancing your overall oral health by ensuring your teeth fit together properly, which can reduce the risk of dental issues like tooth wear and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems.
Can Orthodontists Perform General Dentistry?
While orthodontists are highly trained in the field of teeth and jaw alignment, they do not typically perform general dentistry procedures. Their training is specific to orthodontics, and it is different from the training general dentists undergo. Orthodontists are experts in straightening teeth, but they don’t focus on the day-to-day health of your teeth and gums.
However, an orthodontist may conduct a basic examination as part of their initial assessment to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. They might notice issues like cavities or gum disease and refer you to a general Dentist Belconnen for treatment, but they do not treat these conditions themselves.
Orthodontic Procedures vs General Dental Procedures
| Procedure Type | Orthodontist | General Dentist |
| Braces | Yes, primary procedure | No |
| Fillings | No | Yes |
| Teeth Cleaning | No | Yes |
| Routine Check-ups | No | Yes |
| Extractions | No | Yes |
| Retainers | Yes | No |
What Is the Difference Between Orthodontists and Dentists?
While the distinction between an orthodontist and a general dentist may seem subtle, there are key differences. The main difference lies in the education and training required for each profession. All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Here’s a breakdown of what each professional does:
Orthodontist:
- Specialises in diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws
- Provides treatments such as braces, clear aligners, and retainers
- Focuses on jaw and bite issues, helping with teeth straightening and jaw alignment
- Requires additional years of training beyond dental school in orthodontics
General Dentist:
- Provides a broad range of dental care services, including check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and extractions
- Diagnoses and treats common dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay
- Conducts preventative care, including fluoride treatments, sealants, and regular exams
- Has general dental training that includes most areas of dental health care
When Should You See an Orthodontist or a General Dentist?
Knowing when to see an orthodontist and when to see a general dentist can sometimes be confusing, but the answer is simple when you consider the issues you are dealing with.
When to See an Orthodontist:
- If you have crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, or other alignment issues
- If your dentist refers you to an orthodontist for treatment
- If you’re interested in improving the aesthetics of your smile through braces or clear aligners
- If you experience jaw pain or discomfort due to misalignment
- If your child’s teeth are coming in unevenly or they are experiencing alignment issues
When to See a General Dentist:
- For regular cleanings and check-ups to maintain healthy teeth and gums
- For filling cavities, performing extractions, or managing gum disease
- For any cosmetic treatments like whitening or veneers
- For preventative care, including sealants and fluoride treatments
- If you need a dental emergency handled, such as a toothache, chipped tooth, or injury to the mouth
Do Orthodontists and Dentists Work Together?
While they have distinct roles, orthodontists and general dentists often work together to ensure your overall oral health. For example, a general dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if they notice alignment issues or if you need braces. After orthodontic treatment, your general dentist can provide ongoing care to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, ensuring your smile stays beautiful and functional.
In fact, orthodontists and dentists frequently collaborate to ensure that your treatment plan is comprehensive and addresses all of your needs.
Why is it Important to See Both an Orthodontist and a General Dentist?
Maintaining a healthy smile involves both preventing dental problems and addressing any misalignments that could cause issues in the future. Both orthodontists and general dentists play unique and important roles in keeping your teeth and gums in top condition. Seeing both professionals ensures you’re not only straightening your teeth but also maintaining your overall dental health.
At Macquarie Dental Care Belconnen, we understand the importance of a comprehensive approach to dental health. Our experienced team of professionals provides a wide range of services, from general dentistry to orthodontics, making sure your smile is healthy, straight, and beautiful. Whether you’re seeking preventative care or advanced treatments, we’ve got you covered. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation, and let us help you achieve the smile you deserve.
Important FAQs
Q1: Can an Orthodontist Fill Cavities?
No, orthodontists focus on straightening teeth and jaw alignment. General dentists are responsible for procedures like fillings.
Q2: Do I Need to Visit Both an Orthodontist and a General Dentist?
Yes, you may need both, as a general dentist will manage your routine dental care, while an orthodontist focuses on aligning your teeth and improving bite issues.
Q3: Can an Orthodontist Perform Teeth Cleaning?
No, orthodontists do not perform teeth cleaning. This is typically done by dental hygienists under the supervision of general dentists.
Q4: When Should I Visit an Orthodontist?
You should visit an orthodontist if you experience misaligned teeth, jaw pain, or if your dentist recommends orthodontic treatment.
Q5: Can Orthodontists Treat Gum Disease?
No, orthodontists do not treat gum disease. This is the responsibility of a general dentist or periodontist.
Q6: How Often Should I Visit an Orthodontist During Treatment?
Generally, you should visit your orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks during treatment to ensure progress and make necessary adjustments.
Research and References
https://ada.org.au/understanding-orthodontics-c1524
https://ada.org.au/about/dental-profession/dental-team/dentist
https://ada.org.au/explore/topics/scope-of-practice
