What This Guide Covers
This guide explains the differences between a general dentist and an orthodontist so you can choose the right provider for your needs. Both are licensed dental professionals, but they serve different roles in your oral health.
You will learn how their training differs, what conditions each one treats, and the specific situations where seeing an orthodontist matters most. Whether you are considering braces, aligners, or just trying to understand a referral, this guide covers the basics.
This information is useful for adults exploring treatment for themselves and for parents evaluating options for their children. It is also helpful if a general dentist has recommended orthodontic care and you want to understand why.
Training, Licensing, and Scope of Practice
The core difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is the amount and type of post-graduate training each completes. All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.
How a General Dentist Is Trained
A general dentist earns either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Both degrees require four years of dental school after completing an undergraduate degree. [2]
During dental school, students study all areas of oral health. This includes anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, radiology, and clinical practice. After graduating and passing licensing exams, a general dentist can diagnose and treat a wide range of dental conditions. [2]
General dentists provide preventive care like cleanings and exams. They also place fillings, perform extractions, fit crowns, and treat gum disease. Many general dentists serve as the first point of contact for all oral health concerns.
How an Orthodontist Is Trained
An orthodontist first completes the same four-year dental school program as a general dentist. After that, the orthodontist enters a full-time residency program lasting 2 to 3 additional years. [1]
Residency training is devoted entirely to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, which is the study of how the teeth, jaws, and facial bones grow and relate to each other. Residents learn to diagnose malocclusions (misaligned bites), plan complex tooth movements, and manage jaw growth in children. [1]
This means an orthodontist typically spends 10 to 11 years in post-secondary education before entering practice. The extra residency training provides deep, focused experience in areas that general dental school covers only briefly.
What Board Certification Means
Completing a residency qualifies a dentist to practice as an orthodontist. Board certification is an additional, voluntary step. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) administers a rigorous examination process that tests clinical knowledge and case management skills. [1]
A board-certified orthodontist has demonstrated competency beyond the minimum requirements for practice. Not all orthodontists pursue board certification, so having it signals an extra commitment to the specialty. You can verify an orthodontist's board certification status through the ABO website.
What Each Provider Treats
General dentists and orthodontists treat different aspects of oral health. Understanding the scope of each helps you know where to go for a given problem.
A general dentist typically handles cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, teeth whitening, and routine check-ups. They may also screen for oral cancer and manage basic emergencies like a cracked tooth. [2]
An orthodontist focuses on diagnosing and treating malocclusions, which include crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. They also manage more complex issues such as jaw misalignment, impacted teeth that need guided eruption, and bite problems caused by irregular facial bone growth. [1]
- General dentist scope: cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, root canals, gum disease treatment, oral cancer screening
- Orthodontist scope: braces, clear aligners, expanders, retainers, jaw alignment, bite correction, guided eruption of impacted teeth
Age Recommendations and Timing for Orthodontic Visits
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. [1] This does not mean treatment starts that early for most children. The purpose is to catch developing problems when they are easier to address.
Children and Teenagers
By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. An orthodontist can identify early signs of crowding, crossbites, or jaw growth issues at this stage. [1]
In many cases, the orthodontist will simply monitor the child's growth over time. If early intervention is needed, treatments like palatal expanders (devices that widen the upper jaw) can create space for permanent teeth before crowding becomes severe. Most children begin full braces or aligner treatment between ages 9 and 14, depending on dental development.
Your general dentist may spot alignment concerns during a routine visit and suggest an orthodontic evaluation. Some parents also schedule evaluations on their own after noticing crowded teeth or bite issues.
Adults
There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Adults seek care for reasons ranging from cosmetic alignment concerns to bite problems that cause jaw pain or uneven tooth wear.
Treatment options for adults include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces (placed behind the teeth), and clear aligner systems. The best option depends on the type and severity of the problem. Adults with gum disease or bone loss may need extra coordination between their orthodontist, general dentist, and possibly a periodontist (gum specialist).
Adult treatment timelines are typically similar to those for teens, often ranging from 12 to 24 months. Some mild alignment cases may take less time.
How to Prepare for Your First Orthodontic Visit
Bring any recent dental X-rays or records from your general dentist. If you have dental insurance, bring your insurance card and check whether orthodontic benefits are included in your plan.
Write down your main concerns before the visit. Note any specific teeth that bother you, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or habits like mouth breathing. This helps the orthodontist focus the evaluation on what matters most to you.
What Happens During an Orthodontic Consultation
An orthodontic consultation is a diagnostic visit where the specialist evaluates your teeth, bite, and jaw structure. It typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
The Evaluation Process
The orthodontist will examine your teeth and bite visually. They will check how your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. This tells them whether you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.
Most consultations include X-rays, photographs of your teeth and face, and sometimes digital scans or impressions to create a model of your teeth. These records help the orthodontist measure the exact positions of your teeth and the size and shape of your jaws. [1]
After reviewing the records, the orthodontist will explain their findings. They will describe any problems they see, discuss whether treatment is recommended, and outline the available options.
Getting a Treatment Plan
If treatment is recommended, the orthodontist will present a plan that includes the type of appliance (braces, aligners, or other devices), the estimated length of treatment, and the expected outcome. Results vary based on each person's anatomy and compliance with wearing appliances as directed.
You will also receive a cost estimate at this stage. Many offices offer payment plans. Feel free to ask about the total cost, what insurance may cover, and whether financing options are available.
You are not required to commit to treatment at the consultation. It is reasonable to get a second opinion from another orthodontist or to discuss the plan with your general dentist before deciding.
Orthodontic Treatment Costs
Orthodontic treatment typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity.
What Affects the Price
Several factors influence how much you pay. The type of appliance matters: traditional metal braces are often at the lower end of the range, while lingual braces and some clear aligner systems may cost more. The severity of the problem also matters. A minor spacing issue takes less time and fewer appointments than a complex bite correction.
Geographic location plays a role. Orthodontic fees tend to be higher in large metropolitan areas. The orthodontist's experience and whether they are board-certified may also affect pricing, though this varies.
- Metal braces: typically $3,000 to $7,000
- Ceramic braces: typically $4,000 to $8,000
- Clear aligners: typically $3,000 to $8,000
- Lingual braces: typically $5,000 to $10,000
Insurance and Payment Options
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit, though it often has a separate lifetime maximum. A common lifetime maximum for orthodontics is $1,000 to $2,000. Check your specific plan for details, as coverage varies widely.
Some plans cover orthodontic treatment only for children under age 19. Adult orthodontic coverage is less common but is included in certain plans. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can also be used toward orthodontic costs.
Most orthodontic offices offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost over the length of treatment. Ask about these options during your consultation.
When to See an Orthodontist Instead of a General Dentist
You should see an orthodontist when your dental concern involves the position of your teeth, the alignment of your bite, or the growth of your jaws. Here are specific situations where specialty care is typically the better choice.
Situations That Call for an Orthodontist
An orthodontist is the appropriate provider for moderate to severe crowding, significant gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites. These conditions require precise tooth movement and, in some cases, coordination with jaw growth. [1]
If you or your child has impacted teeth (teeth trapped beneath the gum line), an orthodontist can plan guided eruption. Surgical orthodontic cases, where jaw repositioning surgery is part of the treatment, also require an orthodontist working alongside an oral surgeon.
Jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing related to how your teeth fit together are additional reasons to consult an orthodontist. While a general dentist may identify these issues, treatment planning for bite-related jaw problems falls within orthodontic expertise.
- Moderate to severe crowding or spacing
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Impacted or missing teeth requiring orthodontic guidance
- Jaw misalignment or asymmetry
- Bite-related jaw pain or difficulty chewing
- Need for surgical orthodontics (jaw surgery combined with braces)
When a General Dentist May Handle Alignment
Some general dentists offer clear aligner treatment for mild cases. Minor crowding or small gaps in otherwise healthy teeth can sometimes be managed without a specialist. [1]
If your general dentist offers aligners, ask about their specific training in orthodontics, how many aligner cases they have treated, and what happens if the case becomes more complex than expected. A general dentist who recognizes a case is beyond their training should refer you to an orthodontist.
For mild cosmetic concerns, treatment from a general dentist with aligner experience may produce good results. For anything involving bite correction or significant tooth movement, an orthodontist's training provides a meaningful advantage.
Find an Orthodontist Near You
If you are considering braces, aligners, or an evaluation for a bite problem, finding a qualified orthodontist is a good first step. You can browse providers by location and specialty on the orthodontics page to compare orthodontists in your area. Many offices offer free or low-cost initial consultations, so you can get a professional evaluation before making any decisions.
Search Orthodontists in Your Area