While most people know that orthodontists and dentists are both medical professionals who specialise in teeth, and that some key differences exist between them, there is often some confusion about what those differences actually are.
When it comes to the difference between dentistry and orthodontics, one of the best ways to think about it is that your dentist is your GP, and your orthodontist is your specialist. Your dentist, like your GP, is your first point of call, and can help you with routine check-ups and cleans. Importantly, they can also let you know when specialist care might be needed.
Orthodontists complete the same general degree as dentists, plus additional specialised training in bite and alignment correction. If your dentist suspects that you or your child need braces, aligners, or other support, they will likely refer you to an orthodontist to advise you further.
As a leading Norwest orthodontist, we’ve put together the following article to explain the important differences between an orthodontist and dentist, including their individual areas of expertise, and times when you may need to see both.
What does a dentist do?
Dentists provide general dental care and maintenance to patients of all ages. This can mean routine check-ups and cleaning, but it can also mean cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening and crowns, depending on the dentist and their specific scope of practice.
Regular check-ups with your dentist are essential for both children and adults. Not only does this help you stay on top of your dental health, but they can also flag any issues early, referring you to an orthodontist or other specialist as needed.
What does an orthodontist do?
Orthodontists have the same qualification as general dentists, plus an extra three years of training in orthodontics, facial growth, biology and biomechanics. These orthodontic training programs are highly selective.
Once training is completed, orthodontists can diagnose and treat crooked teeth and misaligned bites with orthodontic solutions like braces and clean aligners.
What is the difference between dentists and orthodontists?
As mentioned, there are a number of differences between orthodontists and dentists in regard to training and scope of practice.
Some of the key differences are outlined in the table below.
| Aspect | Dentist | Orthodontist |
| Training & qualifications | Completes a general dental degree (e.g., Bachelor of Dental Surgery, DDS or DMD) and register with the Dental Board of Australia; trained in overall oral health care. | Completes the same general dental degree plus extra specialised training (usually 2–3 years postgraduate) in orthodontics, including bite and alignment correction. |
| Focus of care | Looks after your overall dental health — checks, cleanings, fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment and general mouth care. | Specialises in straightening teeth and correcting bite and jaw alignment with braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic devices. |
| Scope of practice | Can diagnose and treat tooth decay, gum issues, broken or missing teeth, minor cosmetic work and preventative care. | Focuses on diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities such as crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites and jaw alignment problems. |
| Experience level in orthodontics | May offer basic orthodontic services (like simple aligners), but training in this area is limited. | Has specialist expertise and experience specifically in orthodontic treatment and the full range of available technologies. |
| When you’d see one | For routine dental care — exams, cleanings, tooth pain, fillings, extractions or cosmetic dental work. | For complex alignment and bite issues, braces or Invisalign, especially where long‑term planning and specialised care are important. |
| Professional focus | Broad oral health and disease prevention. | Narrow, expert focus on tooth movement, occlusion and facial development. |
Can a dentist do orthodontic work like braces or Invisalign?
Some dentists can provide limited orthodontic services, including offering or fitting clear aligners like Invisalign, particularly for mild alignment issues or simple tooth movement. However, they do not have specialist training in orthodontics, so more complex bite or alignment problems are best managed by an orthodontist.
If a dentist does offer braces or aligners, it’s important to make sure they have the right experience and that your case is suitable for the treatment they plan to provide, because orthodontic care that isn’t tailored to your needs can sometimes lead to less effective results or the need for specialist follow‑up later.
Do you need to see a dentist and an orthodontist?
It’s not always a question of dentist vs orthodontist. In many cases, you may see both.
A dentist can check your overall oral health and let you know if there are any concerns that need attention before you start orthodontic treatment, like decay or gum issues. For specialised bite or alignment work (like braces or complex aligners) a registered orthodontist is the best option, because they have completed extra years of training in tooth movement, facial growth and bite correction.
In many cases, dentists and orthodontists work together so you get the right care at each stage.
How Fox Orthodontics can help
Both dentists and orthodontists are essential for achieving and maintaining oral health, but there is a time and a place for each.
Unlike the other orthodontic practices where orthodontists are supervisors and the work is done by dental hygienists, at Fox Orthodontics our specialist orthodontists themselves perform all your treatments.
For over 40 years, we’ve proudly served Bella Vista, Norwest and the Hills District with specialist orthodontic treatment and results you can trust. Our orthodontic clinic is conveniently located in Baulkham Hills, just minutes from Bella Vista. We provide specialist orthodontic care to patients in Bella Vista, Norwest, Hills District, Castle Hill, North Rocks, Parramatta, Kellyville, Epping, Blacktown, Orange & Bathurst.
