Smile Pro Breakdown: What’s an Orthodontist?

POsitively Awesome Ortho with Pachter Orthodontics

You’re not alone if you’ve ever been confused about the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. Both professions work with teeth and are masters of oral health, so they get lumped into the same category all the time.

Here at Pachter Orthodontics, we not only love orthodontics — we LOVE talking about it. So we thought we’d be perfect for breaking down this misconception. Let’s dive into what makes orthodontists like Dr. P and Dr. K different from the awesome dental pros you visit for regular checkups.

Wait… So, Dentists Aren’t Orthodontists, Too?

Nope, we’re not the same, but we’re total BFFs in the world of oral health. Both play crucial roles in keeping teeth happy and healthy – but one of us has a specialty. (Guess who!)

Dentists are the go-to for overall oral health. They’re like a jack-of-all-trades, providing preventative and restorative care. Cleanings, fillings, crowns, veneers, and cavities — your dentist has you covered (emphasis on the cavities).

Orthodontists are dentists who stay in school (more about that later) to focus specifically on how to move teeth and adjust your bite. We’re experts in how your face’s teeth, jawbones, facial bones, and soft tissues support oral health and function. Our toolbox includes braces, Invisalign, expanders, and other orthodontic appliances geared toward creating a healthy and functional smile.

TLDR: If your teeth need to get movin’ and shakin’, you want an orthodontist in your corner.

What Exactly Do Orthodontists Do?

Orthodontists specialize in guiding teeth into the correct positions. With high-tech gadgets like 3M Clarity clear braces and Invisalign clear aligners, we work to straighten teeth, fix bad bites, and resolve jaw alignment issues. Super crowded teeth? Gaps so big your lunch likes to hang out between meals? We’ve got you.

But Wait, There’s More!

Here’s a secret: Orthodontics isn’t only for people who need braces ASAP. Orthodontists are like dental lookouts, too. We’re trained to catch problems early, especially in children.

Have you ever heard of “Phase I orthodontics”? That’s when we look for alignment concerns that might need help down the road. And when we spot trouble, we treat young smiles and prevent significant problems later.

Orthodontic Training is Next-Level!

Did you know orthodontists start as dentists? Yep! Orthodontists complete four years of general dental school to earn their dental degree. However, while general dentists jump straight into patient care, specialists stick around for more classroom time. That’s how you get oral surgeons, pediatric dentists, endodontists, and orthodontists.

Orthodontists enroll in a highly competitive, accredited orthodontic residency program that lasts two to three years. There, they dive into tooth movement, facial growth and development, and using orthodontic appliances to improve oral function and aesthetics. So, while a dentist is essential for oral health, only orthodontists have in-depth education and training for complex bite or alignment cases.

See That Ortho Expertise in Action at Pachter!

There you have it: Dentists and orthodontists work wonders, but when your smile needs extra TLC (or some strategic tooth movement), you need an ortho pro. Advanced training and expertise allow us to create POsitively incredible smiles for patients of all ages.

Here at Pachter Orthodontics, we’re firm believers in the value of specialty care. Our years of extra training mean we’ve perfected the art of aligning smiles — and we’re the best in town! If you’re ready to start your orthodontic journey or have questions about how we can help YOU, hit us up. We’re here to make your orthodontic experience fun and downright life-changing. Let’s get your smile moving — book a consultation today!