We will be closed from 8pm on 23rd December until 8am on 2nd January. If you need advice over the Christmas period please contact the practice on 0121 705 2566 and listen for the details for obtaining out of hours advice. We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Here at Orthodontic Excellence, we are focused on giving our patients world-class orthodontic treatment, as well as answering all your questions. So here we go with the first one: what’s the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist? A lot, we say.
An orthodontist is a trained dentist who has then undertaken further postgraduate study and exams, usually over a minimum of a further seven 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. |
816 Warwick Road
Solihull
West Midlands
B91 3EU
United Kingdom
