{"id":3791,"date":"2020-10-21T12:37:10","date_gmt":"2020-10-21T11:37:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bowlanedental.com\/?p=3791"},"modified":"2021-02-08T09:16:01","modified_gmt":"2021-02-08T09:16:01","slug":"difference-between-dentist-and-orthodontist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.dental-focus.co.uk\/bowlanedental\/preview\/difference-between-dentist-and-orthodontist\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Not all dentists are specialists.<\/h4>\n

Dentistry deals with a broad range of oral health issues including tooth decay, gum disease, broken and missing teeth while orthodontics is a speciality within dentistry working on correcting bites, facial development, improving function and appearance of your teeth. One specific difference is that all orthodontists are all qualified dentists but not all dentists are specialised orthodontists<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How are they similar?<\/h4>\n

The main similarity between the two is that they both focus on oral care; an orthodontist may work in a dental practice and provide the same care as a dentist. They are both fully qualified to provide you oral healthcare.<\/p>\n

How are they different?<\/h4>\n

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All orthodontists are qualified dentists first. It takes at least another 3 years of post-graduate training after dental school on an accredited orthodontic program to become a specialist orthodontist.<\/p>\n

At the end of their studies they sit the Membership in Orthodontics examination of the Royal College of Surgeons<\/a>. This qualification, along with a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training allows them to register as a specialist orthodontist with the General Dental Council<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Special training is required to learn the skills to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development. Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities.<\/p>\n

Orthodontists limit their scope of work only to orthodontics since they are uniquely qualified in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of orthodontic problems. They dedicate their professional lives to creating healthy, beautiful smiles in children, teens and adults.<\/p>\n

Orthodontists use a variety of \u201cappliances,\u201d including braces, clear aligners, lingual braces, functional appliances and retainers, to move teeth or hold them in their new positions.<\/p>\n

Dentist typically encourage good oral hygiene and provide services related to:<\/h4>\n