{"id":35,"date":"2025-03-16T10:53:54","date_gmt":"2025-03-16T06:53:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/?p=35"},"modified":"2025-03-20T12:32:19","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T08:32:19","slug":"dentist-vs-orthodontist-differences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/dentist-vs-orthodontist-differences\/","title":{"rendered":"Dentists Vs. Orthodontists: What\u2019s The Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that over 60% of adults<\/strong> visit a dentist regularly, yet many still don\u2019t know when they should see an orthodontist<\/strong> instead? Whether you’re dealing with tooth pain, crooked teeth, or bite issues<\/strong>, choosing the right specialist can save you time, money, and discomfort<\/strong>\u2014but how do you know which one is right for you?<\/span><\/p>\n

While both dentists<\/strong> and orthodontists<\/strong> are trained in oral health, their expertise differs significantly. Dentists<\/strong> focus on general dental care\u2014cleaning teeth, treating cavities, and managing gum health. Orthodontists<\/strong>, on the other hand, specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaw issues<\/strong>, using treatments like braces and clear aligners<\/strong> to improve your smile\u2019s function and appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re in the UAE, where dental tourism and advanced orthodontic care<\/strong> are booming, knowing when to see a dentist vs. an orthodontist<\/strong> can help you make informed decisions about your oral health journey<\/strong>. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)<\/strong>, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7<\/strong>, while adults can seek treatment at any age for alignment issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Education and Training Differences<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Dentists<\/p>\n

Both general dentists and orthodontic specialists complete dental school, earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or\u00a0Doctor of Dental Surgery degree<\/a>. General dentists finish four years studying oral health care, gum disease treatment, tooth decay prevention, root canals and basic cosmetic dentistry at dentistry schools.<\/span><\/p>\n

A dentist can become an orthodontist only after extra training\u2014a specialised two to three-year residency programme in orthodontics. Orthodontists spend around 3,700 hours in this\u00a0advanced education to master bite correction<\/a>, facial growth patterns and teeth alignment using\u00a0clear aligners or braces<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once they complete their orthodontic residency, these specialists must pass certification tests before providing orthodontic services for crowded teeth or jaw problems like mouth breathing issues in UAE dental clinics.<\/span><\/p>\n