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The difference between a dentist and an orthodontist
You may be wondering what the difference is between an orthodontist and a dentist. While both have the knowledge to keep your smile healthy, only an orthodontist has the expertise to straighten your smile.
What is an orthodontist?
All orthodontists have gone through the same training as dentists, but have then gone on to complete an additional 2-3 years of specialised training. This postgraduate training is what earns them the designation of “Specialist Orthodontist.”
A Specialist Orthodontist focuses on correcting the bite and alignment of your teeth and jaws.
What is orthodontics?
The field of orthodontics focuses on facial profiles aligning your teeth and jaws through appliances such as braces or aligners. Orthodontics is about more than just straightening your smile; it can improve tooth health and breathing, chewing and speaking difficulties.
Orthodontics can treat a number of misalignments (also known as malocclusions) such as overbites, underbites, crossbites and crowding.
So what’s the difference?
This handy chart visually breaks down the different roles of a dentist and an orthodontist. While you undergo orthodontic treatment, it’s still important to maintain your regularly scheduled cleanings with your general dentist.
Different roles of an orthodontist vs dentist
| Orthodontist | Dentist | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications & Memberships | ||
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years) | ||
| Master of Orthodontics (MOrth) (3 years) |
||
| General Dental Council Registered Specialist in Orthodontics |
||
| Membership of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. Australian Society of Orthodontists |
||
| 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 that are demonstrate further commitment to promoting invisible orthodontic treatment. |
|
Source: The Invisible Orthodontist
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Beachside Orthodontics is conveniently located in Balgowlah. Our clinic is well placed to treat patients in the Northern Beaches community.
Walk in directions
The entrance to the clinic is on the western side of the building via the set of stairs down the end of the laneway.
Dr Steve Moate
1st Floor,
394 Sydney Road Balgowlah
New South Wales 2093
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