Local
Your dentist offers aligners. Your friend's kid sees an orthodontist for braces. So who does what?
It is a common question, and the answer is simpler than it seems. Both dentists and orthodontists care for your mouth. But they have different roles and different training. This guide walks through the difference using patient materials from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
What dentists and orthodontists have in common
According to the AAO, both dentists and orthodontists:
- Graduated from dental school
- Provide care that supports good oral health
- Work on teeth every day
Here is the key point the AAO makes: a dentist is not automatically an orthodontist. Even if a dentist offers braces or aligners, that does not make them an orthodontist.
What a dentist does
Dentists, often called general or family dentists, focus on your overall oral health. The AAO describes their work as including:
- Treating tooth decay (fillings)
- Removing teeth that need to come out (extractions)
- Crowns, veneers, or bonding for teeth that are broken, misshapen, or badly decayed
- Checking for problems in the mouth
- Teaching patients how to prevent dental disease
Think of your dentist as your home base for checkups, cleanings, and day-to-day dental health.
What an orthodontist does
The AAO describes orthodontists as specialists who focus on your bite and the alignment of your teeth. That includes how teeth meet and work together, how they line up, and how the upper and lower jaws fit.
Common reasons people see an orthodontist include braces, clear aligners, and questions about the bite.
How the training differs
This is where the two paths split. Per the AAO:
- Orthodontists finish dental school first.
- Then they complete an additional program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- The AAO says this specialty training lasts an additional 24 to 36 months.
- The AAO describes the program as about 3,700 hours of training focused on moving teeth, jaws, and facial bones.
The AAO also notes that some states allow general dentists to provide specialty care without formal specialty training. In the AAO's words, a dentist may be able to provide braces or aligners, "but that does not mean the dentist is an orthodontist."
Do you need a referral to see an orthodontist?
No. The AAO says you do not have to wait for a dentist to refer you or your child to an orthodontist. You can book a consultation directly.
The AAO points out that parents are often the first to notice something that seems off with a child's teeth or bite. If a dentist is not checking the bite closely, a referral may not happen on its own.
When should kids get an orthodontic check-up?
The AAO recommends that children get their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. A check-up does not always mean treatment starts. It gives an orthodontist a chance to look at how teeth and jaws are developing.
Which one should you call?
Here is a simple way to think about it, based on how the AAO frames each role:
| If your question is about... | A good place to start |
|---|---|
| Cavities, cleanings, a toothache, or general dental health | Your dentist |
| Crooked teeth, bite problems, braces, or aligners | An orthodontist |
Many families see both. Your dentist keeps up your everyday oral health, and an orthodontist focuses on bite and alignment. If you are unsure, ask either office. They can help point you in the right direction.
Questions you can ask any office
If a practice offers braces or aligners, these questions can help you understand who is providing care:
- Are you an orthodontist?
- Are you a member of the American Association of Orthodontists?
- Who will plan and oversee my treatment?
The AAO notes that only appropriately trained orthodontists are eligible for AAO membership.
How LocalSmileFinder fits in
LocalSmileFinder lists orthodontic practices. We add practices after checking their official websites and other public sources. A listing is not a ranking, review, or clinical endorsement. We do not check credentials or memberships for you, so it is always smart to ask the practice directly using the questions above.
Directory browse is live in multiple states. When you are ready, take a look.