Orthodontists vs dentists

Name: Helix House Orthodontics
Telephone: 01159 017 800

Orthodontists and dentists both play vital roles in maintaining the health of your smile, but their roles are quite different! Let’s explore the key differences between these two important dental professions to help you better understand the experts at our practice.

Orthodontist vs Dentist

	Orthodontist	Dentist
Doctor of Dental Surgery (5 years)
Minimum of 3 years post-graduate training and exams
Master of Orthodontics (MOrth)(3 years)
Member of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. British Orthodontic Society

	Orthodontist	Dentist
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.

	Orthodontist	Dentist
Is specifically trained to 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.

What is the difference between orthodontists and dentists?

Every Specialist Orthodontist begins their career as a general dentist, which means they have the same expertise in keeping your teeth clean and healthy as your regular dentist! So, what sets them apart?

A Specialist Orthodontist has completed at least three more years of specialized training to master the art of aligning your teeth and jaws. Only a Specialist Orthodontist is qualified to design a personalised orthodontic treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs.

What is the difference between orthodontists and dentists?

The road to becoming a Specialist Orthodontist

To become a Specialist Orthodontist, the journey begins with earning a degree in dentistry. This is followed by at least two years of vocational training and obtaining a higher dental qualification.

To achieve specialist status, an additional three years of study and supervised clinical work in a university hospital are required. Once completed, you can apply to be listed on the General Dental Council’s specialist register. Only then can you be officially recognised as a Specialist!

Without undergoing this extensive training, a dentist cannot truly ‘specialise’ in orthodontics; they can only have a ‘special interest’ in the field.

The road to becoming a Specialist Orthodontist

Why choose a specialist for your orthodontic treatment?

Many dental clinics offer braces or ‘fast orthodontic treatments,’ but these one-size-fits-all options aren't tailored to your specific smile needs. More often than not, they can do more harm than good, sometimes requiring a visit to an orthodontist for corrections later on.

To safeguard your health (and your budget), it’s always better to consult a specialist from the start. A Specialist Orthodontist has the expertise to safely and effectively enhance your smile.