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
