What’s the Difference Between a General Dentist and an Orthodontist?

When it comes to caring for your smile, many people ask: “Do I need to see a general dentist or an orthodontist?” While both are dental professionals, the difference lies in training, specialization, and expertise — and knowing who to see can help you get the right care from the right provider.

🦷 General Dentists: The Everyday Experts

General dentists are your first stop for:

• Cleanings and checkups
• Fillings, crowns, and tooth repairs
• Gum health and preventative care
• Managing pain, decay, or basic oral concerns

They help keep your teeth and gums healthy and are essential for regular maintenance and hygiene. Most people visit their general dentist every six months.

😁 Orthodontists: The Smile Alignment Specialists

Orthodontists are specialists who focus exclusively on aligning teeth, correcting bites, and guiding jaw development.

To become an orthodontist, a general dentist must complete 2–3 additional years of intensive, specialized training in a competitive orthodontic residency program. This advanced education allows orthodontists to:

• Diagnose and treat bite and jaw alignment issues
• Design and manage braces or Invisalign treatment
• Monitor facial growth and dental development in children and teens
• Plan complex tooth movement with precision

Because of this added training, orthodontists bring a higher level of expertise to treatments like braces, Invisalign, and retainers. It’s what they do all day, every day — and they do it exceptionally well.

General Dentist vs Orthodontist — Who Should You See?

General Dentist:

• A cleaning or cavity check
• Regular oral maintenance and hygiene

Orthodontist:

• Braces or Invisalign
• Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
• Jaw or bite problems (overbite, underbite)

Your general dentist should refer you to an orthodontist if they spot alignment issues during a routine checkup.

Getting care from a provider with specialized training means better results, more precise treatment, and long-term confidence in your smile. Just like you’d see a cardiologist for your heart or a dermatologist for your skin, it’s smart to see a specialist when it comes to straightening your teeth.

Thinking About Fixing Teeth, Jaw, or Bite Problems?

At Nexus Orthodontics, Dr. Shauna Fung brings over 20 years of orthodontic experience — plus board certification — to help you or your child achieve a healthy, confident smile. Whether it’s traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, Dr. Fung is an expert.

📞 Call us at 516-417-8890