What is the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

While both dentists and orthodontists play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health, they have distinct areas of expertise:

• Dentists: General dentists are your primary care providers for oral health. They offer a wide range of services, including:

  • Cleanings and checkups to prevent cavities and gum disease
  • Fillings to treat cavities
  • Extractions of teeth
  • Crowns, bridges, and dentures to replace missing teeth
  • Root canals to treat infected teeth
  • Teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures

• Orthodontists: Orthodontists are dentists who have completed additional 2-3 years of specialized training focused solely on orthodontics. This advanced training allows them to diagnose, prevent, and correct problems with the alignment of teeth and jaws. Orthodontists typically use braces, retainers, and other appliances to move teeth into their ideal positions, creating a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. They can address issues like:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Gapped teeth
  • Overbites
  • Underbites
  • Crossbites

Here at Alexandria Orthodontics, we are a team of board-certified orthodontists. This means we have the highest level of expertise and experience in straightening teeth and correcting bite problems. We focus exclusively on orthodontics, allowing us to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field and provide our patients with the best possible care.