When you need orthodontic treatment, choosing the right provider can feel like a bigger decision than simply picking between braces and clear aligners. You may wonder: Can a general dentist provide orthodontic treatment, or should you see a specialist?
The answer is not as simple as saying one provider can never treat orthodontic problems. General dentists may provide certain orthodontic services depending on their education, experience, the complexity of the case, and applicable state requirements. The American Dental Association notes that orthodontic treatment may be provided by either a dentist or an orthodontist, depending in part on the dentist’s orthodontic experience and the severity of the patient’s condition.
However, orthodontics involves much more than moving teeth. Understanding the difference between general dental care and specialized orthodontic care can help you make a more informed decision about your smile.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialized training focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating problems involving tooth alignment, bite relationships, and facial development.
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics include the diagnosis and correction of malocclusion as well as certain skeletal and developmental abnormalities of the orofacial structures. Accredited orthodontic residency programs include training in areas such as biomechanics, growth and development, diagnosis, treatment planning, radiographic anatomy, and orthodontic techniques.
That specialized focus matters because orthodontic treatment isn’t simply about making teeth appear straighter.
A treatment plan may need to consider:
- Tooth crowding and spacing
- Overbites and underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Jaw relationships
- Tooth eruption
- Facial growth
- The position and movement of individual teeth
- Long-term stability after treatment
A provider needs to evaluate how these factors work together before deciding how teeth should be moved.
Can a General Dentist Provide Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes, in some circumstances.
The ADA states that orthodontic treatment can be provided by a general dentist or an orthodontist. The appropriate provider depends on factors such as the dentist’s orthodontic experience and the severity of the patient’s condition.
For relatively straightforward cases, a general dentist with appropriate orthodontic training and experience may provide treatment.
More complicated cases may benefit from evaluation and treatment by an orthodontic specialist whose practice is focused specifically on tooth movement, bite correction, and dentofacial development.
The important question isn’t simply, “Can a general dentist move teeth?”
The better question is:
“Who has the training and experience that best matches my orthodontic needs?”
Why Orthodontic Treatment Is More Than Straight Teeth
It can be tempting to think of braces or clear aligners as cosmetic tools.
But tooth alignment can also affect how your teeth function.
Crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing more difficult. Bite problems may affect chewing. Certain types of malocclusion can contribute to uneven tooth wear or other functional concerns.
The ADA explains that braces work by applying controlled pressure to gradually move teeth, while removable aligners can also be used under the direct supervision of a dentist or orthodontist.
Because tooth movement changes the relationship between teeth, roots, bone, and the bite, treatment requires planning—not simply placing an appliance and waiting for teeth to move.
What Can Go Wrong With the Wrong Treatment Approach?
Orthodontic treatment is generally predictable when properly planned and monitored, but every patient’s biology and treatment needs are different.
Problems can arise when treatment is started without an appropriate diagnosis or when the treatment plan doesn’t adequately account for the patient’s bite, growth, periodontal health, or tooth movement.
Potential concerns can include:
Incomplete Correction
Teeth may appear straighter without fully correcting the underlying bite relationship.
Unwanted Tooth Movement
Moving teeth requires controlled forces. Poorly planned movement can produce results that do not match the intended treatment goal.
Treatment Delays
If a treatment approach isn’t producing the expected movement, additional appointments or modifications may be needed.
Difficulty Maintaining Results
Retention is an important part of orthodontic treatment. Teeth naturally have a tendency to shift over time, which is why retainers are commonly prescribed after active treatment.
Missed Underlying Problems
Some patients need more than simple alignment. Jaw growth, impacted teeth, significant bite discrepancies, or other conditions may require a more comprehensive orthodontic evaluation.
This doesn’t mean every patient needs specialist treatment. It means the provider should first determine what your case actually requires.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
An orthodontic evaluation can be particularly useful when you have a more complicated alignment or bite concern.
You may want to seek an orthodontic consultation if you or your child has:
- Significant crowding
- Large spaces between teeth
- An overbite
- An underbite
- A crossbite
- An open bite
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Teeth that appear unusually positioned
- An impacted or unerupted tooth
- Jaw-growth concerns
- A previous orthodontic treatment that relapsed
- A child whose permanent teeth are not erupting as expected
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 because some developing problems are easier to identify while a child’s teeth and jaws are still developing.
An evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean treatment needs to begin immediately.
Sometimes the best plan is to monitor growth and wait for a more appropriate time.
What Should You Look for in an Orthodontic Provider?
When comparing providers, look beyond the treatment appliance itself.
Ask questions such as:
How will my bite be evaluated?
A complete assessment should consider more than whether your front teeth look crowded.
What treatment options are appropriate for my case?
Depending on your needs, options may include traditional braces, clear braces, lingual braces, self-ligating braces, or clear aligners.
How long might treatment take?
Treatment duration varies based on the complexity of tooth movement, growth, patient cooperation, and the selected approach.
How will my results be maintained?
Ask about retainers and the recommended retention plan before starting treatment.
What happens if my teeth don’t move as expected?
Understanding how your provider handles treatment adjustments can give you a better idea of what ongoing care will look like.
Why Patients Choose Brister Orthodontics
Brister Orthodontics focuses specifically on orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. The practice provides several treatment options, including traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, self-ligating braces, and lingual braces.
The practice also describes an individualized treatment approach, with examinations and treatment consultations used to evaluate orthodontic needs and discuss potential treatment options.
Its office uses iTero 3D scanning technology as part of its orthodontic workflow, and the practice emphasizes customized treatment planning rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
For patients considering orthodontic care, these details can make an initial consultation useful even if you’re still comparing treatment options.
Ready to Find the Right Orthodontic Treatment for Your Smile?
You don’t have to decide between braces and clear aligners before you understand your orthodontic needs.
If you’re searching for an orthodontist in Pearl, Brister Orthodontics can evaluate your teeth and bite, discuss appropriate treatment options, and explain what the next steps could look like.
Schedule an orthodontic consultation today to get a personalized evaluation and learn which approach may be appropriate for your smile.
The goal isn’t simply to straighten teeth. It’s to understand your bite, plan tooth movement carefully, and create a treatment approach that fits your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an orthodontist better than a general dentist for braces?
An orthodontist has additional specialized training focused on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Whether you need that specialized care depends on the complexity of your orthodontic problem and your individual treatment needs.
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
A general dentist provides comprehensive oral health care, while an orthodontist receives additional training focused on diagnosing and treating tooth alignment, bite, and certain jaw-development problems.
Should my child see an orthodontist or a general dentist?
If your child has crowding, bite concerns, unusual tooth eruption, or other developing alignment issues, an orthodontic evaluation can help identify potential problems early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic checkup by age 7.
Can an orthodontist treat adults?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment isn’t limited to children and teenagers. Adults may receive treatment with braces or clear aligners depending on their dental health and orthodontic needs.
Do braces fix more than crooked teeth?
They can. Orthodontic treatment may address problems involving tooth alignment and bite relationships, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
How do I know if I need an orthodontic consultation?
An evaluation may be worthwhile if you have crooked or crowded teeth, noticeable spacing, difficulty biting or chewing, a problematic bite, jaw-development concerns, or teeth that are not erupting normally.
Is Invisalign an option instead of braces?
Clear aligners may be an option for some patients. However, candidacy depends on the type and complexity of the orthodontic problem. A professional examination is needed to determine whether aligners are appropriate.
Medical Disclaimer – This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace a professional dental or orthodontic examination, diagnosis, or individualized treatment plan. Orthodontic treatment needs vary from person to person. A qualified dental professional should evaluate your teeth, bite, oral health, and treatment goals before recommending a specific orthodontic approach.