Orthodontist vs dentist
Orthodontists and dentists both play important roles in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. While they often work in tandem to improve oral health, understanding their differences can help you make informed decisions for the health of your smile.

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
A dentist's role is to maintain their patients' oral health through cleanings, fillings, and general dental care. Dentists are often the first to detect issues that may require a specialist, such as an orthodontist.
An orthodontist is a trained dentist who has embarked on further postgraduate study to specialise in the field of orthodontics. This takes an additional three years of study. Orthodontists are experts in treating misalignments of the teeth and jaws and are registered with AHPRA as a Specialist Orthodontist.
Refer to the chart below to see how orthodontists and dentists differ, and how they are alike.

Orthodontist | Dentist | |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years) | ||
Certificate of Orthodontics (3 years) including significant post-graduate research and thesis | ||
Member of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. American Association of Orthodontists, Australian Society of Orthodontists, American Board of Orthodontics |
Orthodontist | Dentist | |
---|---|---|
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. |
Orthodontist | Dentist | |
---|---|---|
Is specifically trained in the movement of teeth and bite issues | ||
Recommends and treats patients after assessing overall facial profile, facial growth and development | ||
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. |
Still not sure which dental professional to see?
Feel free to reach out to our team at Torque Orthodontics. We would be happy to guide you to the right care. If you are looking to improve the alignment of your smile, we encourage you to book an appointment with us in Mackay.
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