Here at Orthodontic Excellence, we are focused on giving our patients the very best orthodontic treatment. What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist you might ask? A lot, we say.
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist is a trained dentist who has then undertaken further postgraduate study and exams, usually over a minimum of a further 7 years, to become recognised by the General Dental Council as a Registered Specialist in Orthodontics (an orthodontist for short). For many orthodontists, it is the challenge of straightening a person’s teeth and moving their jaws into alignment which interests them.
The table below identifies some key differences between orthodontists and dentists:
| ORTHODONTIST | DENTIST | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications & Memberships | ||
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years) | ||
| Master of Orthodontics (MOrth) (3 years) | ||
| Member of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. British Orthodontic Society | ||
| Treatments & Services | ||
| General 6-month check-up | ||
| Fillings & extractions | ||
| Cleaning & polishing | ||
| Advises on overall oral health of teeth and gums | ||
| Fitting of orthodontic appliances, such as braces & Invisalign aligners | Some general dentists may fit braces and Invisalign but they are not specialists in orthodontics | |
| Experience & training | ||
| Is specifically trained in the movement of teeth and bite issues | ||
| Recommends and treats patients after assessing overall facial profile | ||
| Uses the latest in orthodontic technology for the benefit of patients | ||
| Attends regular training on developments in the orthodontic industry | ||
| Is a member of The Invisible Orthodontist (TIO) Network | Not all orthodontists are members of TIO but those who are demonstrate further commitment to promoting invisible orthodontic treatment. | |
Source: The Invisible Orthodontist
FIND 
CONTACT
DENTIST