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The difference between a dentist and an orthodontist

Name: BeachSide Orthodontics
Telephone: (02) 9949 8600

You may be wondering what the difference is between an orthodontist and a dentist. While both have the knowledge to keep your smile healthy, only an orthodontist has the expertise to straighten your smile.

The difference between a dentist and an orthodontist

What is an orthodontist?

All orthodontists have gone through the same training as dentists, but have then gone on to complete an additional 2-3 years of specialised training. This postgraduate training is what earns them the designation of “Specialist Orthodontist.”

A Specialist Orthodontist focuses on correcting the bite and alignment of your teeth and jaws.

What is orthodontics?

The field of orthodontics focuses on facial profiles aligning your teeth and jaws through appliances such as braces or aligners. Orthodontics is about more than just straightening your smile; it can improve tooth health and breathing, chewing and speaking difficulties.

Orthodontics can treat a number of misalignments (also known as malocclusions) such as overbites, underbites, crossbites and crowding.

So what’s the difference?

This handy chart visually breaks down the different roles of a dentist and an orthodontist. While you undergo orthodontic treatment, it’s still important to maintain your regularly scheduled cleanings with your general dentist.

Different roles of an orthodontist vs dentist

	Orthodontist	Dentist
Qualifications & Memberships
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years)
Master of Orthodontics (MOrth) (3 years)
General Dental Council Registered Specialist in Orthodontics
Membership of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. Australian Society of Orthodontists
Treatments & Services
General 6-month check up
Fillings & extractions
Cleaning & polishing
Advises on overall oral health of teeth and gums
Fitting of orthodontic appliances, such as braces & Invisalign® aligners		Some general dentists may fit braces and Invisalign® but they are not specialists in orthodontics
Experience & training
Is specifically trained in the movement of teeth and bite issues
Recommends and treats patients after assessing overall facial profile
Uses the latest in orthodontic technology for the benefit of patients
Attends regular training on developments in the orthodontic industry
Is a member of The Invisible Orthodontist (TIO) Network	Not all orthodontists are members of TIO but those that are demonstrate further commitment to promoting invisible orthodontic treatment.

Source: The Invisible Orthodontist

Could you benefit from
orthodontic treatment?

Book an in-practice or virtual appointment with us today to find out how orthodontics could improve your smile.

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Could you benefit from
orthodontic treatment?

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Visit Us

Beachside Orthodontics is conveniently located in Balgowlah. Our clinic is well placed to treat patients in the Northern Beaches community.

BeachSide Orthodontics Walk in directions
The entrance to the clinic is on the western side of the building via the set of stairs down the end of the laneway.