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

If you've ever wondered whether you need to see a dentist or an orthodontist for braces or aligners, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we're asked by new patients at Northern Orthodontics – especially parents planning treatment for their children.

While both dentists and orthodontists work with teeth and oral health, their training, expertise, and the types of treatment they provide are quite different. Understanding the distinction can help you make the best decision for your or your child's smile.

Let's break it down.

What does a dentist do?

Dentists are general oral health professionals. They help you maintain healthy teeth and gums, and are often the first point of contact for most people when it comes to oral care. Their services include:

Routine check-ups and hygiene advice
Fillings, crowns, and bridges
Tooth extractions
Root canals
Gum disease treatment
Preventive care and oral health screenings

Your dentist may also be the one to first spot signs that orthodontic treatment is needed – like crowding, bite issues, or early signs in children.

What does an orthodontist do?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses exclusively on diagnosing, preventing, and treating problems related to the alignment of teeth and jaws.

After completing dental school, orthodontists undertake 3 additional years of full-time specialist training - learning how to:

Correct misaligned teeth and bites (malocclusions)
Plan and deliver complex treatment
Use braces, clear aligners, expanders, and retainers
Treat children, teens, and adults at every stage of development

In short, all orthodontists are dentists – but not all dentists are orthodontists.

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Why does it matter who you see?

Orthodontic treatment is both a science and an art. To move teeth safely and effectively, it requires careful planning, precise biomechanics, and ongoing adjustments based on how your mouth is responding.

When you choose a Specialist Orthodontist like those at Northern Orthodontics, you're choosing someone who:

Has in-depth knowledge of facial growth and jaw development
Knows how to create stable, functional, and aesthetic results
Can prevent long-term issues like bite wear, gum recession, or relapse
Uses advanced technology to tailor your treatment precisely

This is especially important for complex cases – such as those needing early intervention, jaw correction, or treatment after previous dental work.

Can dentists offer orthodontic treatment too?

Some general dentists do offer cosmetic teeth straightening, often using clear aligners. While this can be suitable for simple cases, it's not the same as seeing a specialist – and may not be appropriate for growing children, bite problems, or more significant movement.

At Northern Orthodontics, we often see patients who started treatment elsewhere and come to us for a second opinion or corrective care. It's always best to have a specialist involved from the start.

What treatments do orthodontists offer that dentists don't?

While your dentist is essential for check-ups and oral health, an orthodontist can provide a much wider range of smile-straightening solutions, including:

NHS orthodontic care for eligible children
Invisalign^® clear aligners for teens and adults
NorthoClear, our in-house clear aligner system
Fixed braces (metal, ceramic, or lingual)
Early intervention treatments, such as expanders
Bite correction and jaw alignment
Custom retainers and long-term monitoring

Can I see both a dentist and an orthodontist?

Yes – and you should! We always recommend continuing regular visits to your general dentist throughout orthodontic treatment.

While we focus on aligning your teeth and jaws, your dentist will make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy during the process. Good teamwork leads to the best results.

Why choose Northern Orthodontics?

As a specialist-led clinic, we're proud to offer:

A dedicated, experienced team with specialist qualifications
A welcoming, multilingual environment
NHS and private treatment options with consistent care
Clear, honest guidance on the right treatment path
A focus on patient-first orthodontics – with long-term results

We've been helping children, teens and adults across Greater Manchester feel confident in their smiles since 2012.

The verdict: Specialist care makes all the difference

Whether you're exploring braces for your child or considering aligners as an adult, understanding the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is key.

Your dentist plays a vital role in your oral health – but when it comes to straightening teeth or correcting bites, a specialist orthodontist offers the expertise and precision needed for safe, lasting results.

If you're ready to take the next step, book a free consultation with Northern Orthodontics today and find out what expert-led care can do for your smile.

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