Orthodontist vs. Dentist: What's the Difference?

What Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who, after completing four years of dental school, has gone on to complete an additional two-to-three-year residency program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

This is a long and demanding educational path, and only those who complete this accredited residency program can call themselves an "orthodontist."

General dentists who have not completed this specialty training are legally allowed to offer orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners, but they are not orthodontists. Yet, some dentists and dental centers use marketing language that can make patients think they are specialists. This is false.

An orthodontist is uniquely qualified to prevent, diagnose, and treat dental and facial irregularities, more commonly known as "malocclusions." Their specialized knowledge and experience allow them to identify problems and implement the most appropriate treatment solutions.

The Education of an Orthodontist

The path to becoming an orthodontist is lengthy. First, they complete four years of dental school to become a general dentist (earning a DDS or DMD degree).

To specialize in orthodontics and earn the title of "orthodontist," they must then be accepted into and complete a competitive, full-time residency program that lasts two to three years. After a total of 10-11 years of higher education, they are officially qualified as orthodontists.

However, it is important to note that certified orthodontists are not the only ones who can practice orthodontics. This is a key point that can mislead patients. It is therefore crucial to be vigilant about the terms used, as we will now see.

Who Can Legally Practice Orthodontics?

In the United States, two types of practitioners can legally provide orthodontic treatment:

• A. The Orthodontist (Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics): This is the only practitioner who can use the title "orthodontist." They have been trained to handle all types of orthodontic cases, no matter how complex.
• B. The General Dentist: A general dentist who has not completed a specialty residency in orthodontics can also legally perform orthodontic procedures. They may have taken shorter, continuing education courses on specific techniques like clear aligners. However, their training is not as comprehensive as a specialist's.

With this information in mind, it becomes easier to consider the practitioner's background when seeking orthodontic treatment. You must be particularly attentive, as some practices or centers unfortunately play on this ambiguity.

Misleading Terms and Advertising: Be Careful in Your Search!

To choose the right provider for your treatment, it is essential not to rush toward the most attractive prices. You must first inform yourself and compare options to have all the keys to a successful treatment. This obviously starts with the choice of the practitioner!

Some dental centers or general dentists may use the term "orthodontics" in a way that is misleading. They might advertise their practice as an "orthodontic office" or claim to "specialize in orthodontics" without ever stating that they are not, in fact, orthodontists. It is therefore important, during your research, to be able to identify who is who.

By filtering out the different terms that can lead to confusion, you will be able to improve your search to find the practitioner who best suits you—that is, the one who is able to meet your needs and is a true specialist in the field you are seeking, with full knowledge of the facts.

Corporate Dental Clinics and Orthodontics

Corporate dental clinics, often called Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), are very popular today. These large centers often offer orthodontic treatments, but they do not always have a full-time, in-house orthodontist to perform the treatments.

While these centers employ general dentists to offer a diversified range of services, these practitioners are not necessarily orthodontists and are not required to be. In other words, they have not received the specialized residency training that qualifies them as orthodontists.

The same applies to centers that claim to be "specialized" in orthodontics. While they may indicate that they are dedicated to orthodontic care, they do not necessarily have residency-trained orthodontists on staff. Be wary of aggressive marketing that may obscure the true credentials of the treating doctor.

Consult an Orthodontist to Get Clarity

The best way to get a clear picture is to speak directly with a professional capable of answering all your questions. You should consult an orthodontist to address your questions related to orthodontic treatment.

Trust in the practitioner who will follow you throughout your treatment is essential. But orthodontists have a reputation for being more expensive because they are specialists. Is that really the case?

Pricing: Are Orthodontists More Expensive?

We need to clarify a common misconception: that orthodontists are more expensive than general dentists performing orthodontics.

First, it is important to remember that the price of treatment is not regulated; each practitioner is free to set their own fees. A general dentist's price could very well be higher than an orthodontist's!

Furthermore, there is never a fixed price for orthodontic treatment. Each case is unique and requires a specific approach that can only be evaluated after the patient meets with the provider. The patient's expectations also play a role; a higher degree of perfection may increase the cost.

Treatment is not necessarily more expensive with an orthodontist. In fact, while the initial quote may be similar, a specialist's expertise can prevent complications and the need for re-treatment, potentially saving you money in the long run. It is incorrect to assume an orthodontist is always more expensive; often, the opposite is true when considering the long-term value and stability of the result.

How to Find a Qualified Orthodontist

As explained previously in our article, the best way to avoid confusion is to inform yourself. The most reliable way to find a true specialist is to use the resources provided by the **American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)**.

The AAO website offers an "Orthodontist Locator" tool that allows you to search for and verify that a doctor is a member, which means they have graduated from an accredited orthodontic residency program. This is your best guarantee of finding a qualified professional.