The Difference Between An Orthodontist & Dentist

Posted on 07/21/2017

Modern dentist office with chair and equipment

At Brush Country Dental Center, we're proud to be your premier choice when you're looking for a dental doctor in or around Pleasanton, TX. With our wide range of dental and orthodontic treatments, we're here to help make your teeth, gums, and mouth healthier, giving you a more beautiful smile. As your trusted provider of dental and orthodontic services, one of the questions that we get asked frequently is what the differences are between a dentist and an orthodontist? We'd like to take this time to go over the aspects and differences of each occupation so that you can make an informed decision about where you need to go for your oral health.

While dentists and orthodontists both focus on oral health and care, the areas in which they help a patient are vastly different. Dentists focus on attaining clean and healthy smiles while orthodontists help with the alignment of a smile by straightening teeth and fixing other dental irregularities. It's also important to note that while dentists aren't orthodontists, all orthodontists are actually qualified dentists as well - they require an additional two years of orthodontic coursework in addition to their dental training.

 

What an Orthodontist Can Help You With

Orthodontists place their focus specifically on the correction of dental irregularities. This can include overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, and all kinds of crooked teeth. An orthodontist will utilize a variety of orthodontic treatments, including braces and Invisalign, in order to straighten a patient's teeth and give him or her a more beautiful smile. It's best to have a child visit an orthodontist at around the age of seven, which is typically the earliest age where all of a child's orthodontic problems can be spotted.

 

What a Dentist Can Help You With

Unlike the narrow focus of an orthodontist, dentists will help you in a variety of ways. There are numerous different diseases and oral health issues that dentists will help you both overcome and avoid. These conditions include cavities and gum disease. In order to prevent these and help a patient attain a healthier and more beautiful smile, a dentist can provide a comprehensive selection of dental services, including the following:

  • Oral exams & dental cleanings
  • Bonding
  • Fillings
  • Root canals
  • Crowns
  • Dental implants
  • Teeth whitening
 

Contact Your Pleasanton, TX Dentist & Orthodontist Today!

If you're interested in scheduling an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist in Pleasanton, TX, we encourage you to give us a call at (830) 569-2500. Alternatively, you can fill out our appointment request form to schedule a visit through our website. We hope to hear from you soon and help you achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile!