What's the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

Posted by Lucy petterson on April 12th, 2021

Orthodontists and dentists both have a similar work to do that is to help their patients improve their oral health. They both have many similarities between them; for example, they both strive to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile on their patient's faces. Dentists need to have numerous Dental Accreditation as they cover a broad range of oral health issues. They are trained to diagnose and treat oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, teeth, tongue, and mouth.

While Orthodontists in Southeast London are dentists that continued their training for an additional three years in an accredited university and focused only on tooth and jaw alignment, orthodontics offers the most comprehensive and efficient treatment options when it comes to straightening your teeth. One important difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is that all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are licensed orthodontists. To know more about how orthodontists and dentists differ, here is some of the information you should know so that it's easy for you to decide which type of doctor you need to see.

What does an orthodontist do?

Orthodontists are doctors who help you to keep your oral health in good condition. Technically, they're a kind of dentist who has done a specialty in tooth and jaw alignment. They are also trained to perform facial growth and dental development.

Certified orthodontists have also been trained to diagnose and treat your teeth, gums, and mouth's oral health conditions. But mostly, orthodontists in southeast London focus on making sure your teeth and jaw are set correctly.

You should visit an orthodontist in southeast London

1.       If you are looking to diagnose and treat your misaligned teeth and jaws.
2.       Looking to perform a tooth straightening surgery
3.       If you need a consultation to create a treatment plan that includes braces and aligners, visit an orthodontist.

What does a dentist do?

Dentists are also doctors who help you to maintain your oral health in good condition. Like all other doctors, dentists must be extensively trained in their practice before becoming certified. Generally, dentists need to have a pre-dentistry or pre-medical degree before going on to a dentistry graduate school.

Certified dentists are trained to diagnose and treat your teeth' oral health conditions, gum disease, tongue, broken and missing teeth, and mouth. They're also trained to clean your teeth, but dental hygienists usually take care of that.

You should visit a dentist

1.       If you are looking to fill cavities or conducting interpret dental X-rays.
2.       Whiten your teeth or looking to install crowns or veneers
3.       You can also visit them if you want to improve your oral health and oral hygiene.

Orthodontist vs. Dentist: What's the difference between them?

A dentist and an orthodontist both need to have a bachelor's degree to apply to a dental school. Then they must complete a four-year doctoral program to become a general dentist. At graduation, both parties can start practicing dentistry. Now, if a dentist wants to become a specialist in orthodontics, they must apply and be accepted into an orthodontic residency. Usually, it takes two to three-year to complete additional orthodontics schooling at a university accredited by the American Dental Association. 

Wrapping Up

Now, if you are looking for an orthodontist in southeast London to whiten your teeth or want to get an Invisalign treatment in southeast London, visit Mindful Dentist. They have a highly skilled and experienced team of dentists in southeast London whom you can rely on and trust with your oral health. To know more about their services, you can visit https://www.mindfuldentist.london/.