Difference Between Orthodontist and Dentist Explained

Dental health is very important for a healthy body. When you have a toothache, you need to know for sure who you should go, for treatment. You might have to go to an orthodontist or a dentist as they both are doctors for oral health. The Difference between Orthodontist and Dentist is that orthodontist has specialized in dentistry and is involved in straightening teeth or correcting bites.

On the other hand, a dentist can treat problems related to gums, jaws, teeth, and nerves. So, when you have an oral health issue, you need to be certain about which doctor can help you best.

Orthodontist: Job and Scope.

An orthodontist is someone who has specialized in the branch of dentistry that deals with facial development, such as issues related to jaws and teeth. This is important for the facial organs to perform their functions properly and for good aesthetics. An orthodontist normally does this by adding braces or aligners.

Firstly, an orthodontist takes training for becoming a dentist and then, he or she would go further for specialization in the field. If a dentist wants to take such training, he or she must have experience in restorative dentistry and maxillofacial surgery.

Hospitals are mostly linked to dental schools and the training is provided there. An orthodontist provides services such as treatment of underbite, overbite, misaligned teeth and crowded teeth. So, if you have a problem with the appearance of your teeth, an orthodontist is the one you should go to.

Dentist: Job and Scope.

A dentist is someone who has specialized in dental treatment. He or she provides services related to the diagnosis and prevention of diseases. A dentist can take radiographs to diagnose your problem and then treat it. Your dentist can also prescribe medication for pain, such as sedatives, anesthetics, and pain killers.

Since there is a risk of infection, they can also prescribe antibiotics. Dentists can further specialize in many fields such as dental public health in which they study dental epidemiology. Moreover, they can special in endodontics which deals with root canal therapy and dental pulp diseases.

A dentist can help you with many things such as tooth decay and root canals. Along with that, they can also diagnose and treat any gum disease you have. Dentists also perform teeth whitening and can provide services such as crowns and bridges. Since a dentist is related to oral health, they do not only treat your teeth but also gums and jaws.

Summary of Difference Between Orthodontist and Dentist:

• The Difference between Orthodontist and Dentist is that an orthodontist has specialized in the field of facial features.
• They both are quite similar as they are both doctors and deal with oral health.
• The Difference between Orthodontist and Dentist is that an orthodontist has to get additional schooling for specialization.
• Also, an orthodontist helps in tooth alignment and treating overbite or underbite.
• However, for tooth decay and toothaches, a dentist is the right person to go to.
• Density can also specialize in a field other than orthodontics.