How is an Orthodontist different from a Dentist?
This is a question we commonly hear from prospective patients, and we understand that the difference between an orthodontist and dentist may be unclear to people who aren’t members of the dental community.
Like a dentist, an orthodontist is an oral health care provider. What makes an orthodontist different from a dentist is that he or she specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of bite problems, known as malocclusions. Malocclusions can be caused by a number of factors, such as missing teeth, crowded teeth, or even misalignment of the jaw itself. An orthodontist straightens a patient’s teeth and bite by employing corrective appliances or devices, such as braces, wires, bands, or retainers.
