If Jersey Shore residents are wondering what the difference is between seeing a dentist vs orthodontist, Monmouth-Ocean Orthodontics wants you to have all the information at your fingertips to make the right choice for you and your family.
The choice of dentist vs orthodontist really depends on what type of oral care you need. Learning the differences between the two distinct dental professions is important because while there is some crossover between them, each has a different experience and skill level.
What is a dentist?
A dentist is a doctor who treats a wide variety of dental issues and provides a variety of services. Basically, dentists handle overall dental care, including checkups, fillings, crowns, veneers, and cavities. Dentists also educate patients to help them take care of their teeth at home. Think of your dentist as a general practitioner. This is particularly important when we talk about orthodontists.
What is an orthodontist?
Since dentists are basically general practitioners, an orthodontist should be thought of as a specialist who has special training and more education to diagnose, prevent, and treat teeth and jaw problems. Specifically, orthodontists often treat misalignments, which include overcrowding, crookedness, crossbite, overbite, underbite, and gaps between teeth. They also handle more severe issues as well.
Orthodontists are uniquely qualified to fix your bite and smile, which they do through several treatment options that include traditional braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces, and clear removable aligners such as Invisalign®.
Dentist vs Orthodontist Education and Training
Again, there's a lot of crossover between dentists and orthodontists, and that's because they receive much of the same education and training. The big difference, however, is that orthodontists have more of both.
-
Dentist
Dentists must attend college and graduate with a pre-dentistry or pre-medical degree, which is often in biological studies. After graduation, a prospective dentist goes to dental school for four years to receive training, half of it being in the classroom and the other half treating patients under the supervision of a trained dentist. Prior to certification, a dentist needs to spend time in residency treating a variety of patients in a clinical setting.
-
Orthodontist
Orthodontists are dentists who have completed a college degree and dental school but go on to receive further education and training to specialize in orthodontics. This pursuit involves spending two to three years in a residency program to earn specialty certification. Several tests are required to pass. An orthodontist will spend about 10 years learning and training before they can practice on their own.
Should I see a dentist or an orthodontist?
Now that you understand the difference between dentists and orthodontists, you naturally want to know which one you should see. Because dentists are basically general practitioners, they usually handle a wide array of dental problems and services. For example, you should see a dentist if you have a toothache, need a cleaning, need a tooth extraction, or need a cavity filled. These are all general procedures that a dentist is perfectly able to perform.
If you need an orthodontist, it's because you have a complex misalignment of your teeth or jaws, which requires education and training on a deeper level than what a dentist receives. Orthodontists and dentists usually do not compete with each other for patients. In fact, they work together to provide patients with the best possible care they need.
Can a dentist do orthodontics?
While dentists can legally perform orthodontics, they lack a deeper understanding of the teeth and jaw misalignments that orthodontists possess. The special training and education an orthodontist receives make them the preferable option to fix misalignment issues. However, it's possible your general dentist is also an orthodontist, which is good for you because you have the best of both worlds in one professional.
Do orthodontists provide general dentistry?
Orthodontists have the training necessary to provide general dentistry, but they usually leave that to a general dentist to focus on providing specialized orthodontic care to patients. Monmouth-Ocean Orthodontics in New Jersey provides such care to our patients. It should also be noted that if you have cavities, gum disease, or other problems that need treatment, a general dentist will have to take care of those problems prior to you receiving orthodontic care such as braces to fix your misalignment problems.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
In most cases, your dental insurance provider will require you to see a dentist and get a referral before they will pay for orthodontic treatment. Some orthodontists require a referral as well, especially if they already see many patients. In these situations, it's best to visit your general dentist so they can determine if you need orthodontic care. The general dentist will then provide you with a referral. This will definitely help save you money if your insurance covers orthodontic treatments. However, some orthodontists welcome patients without a referral. Simply call their office to find out and make an appointment.
Dentist vs Orthodontist Cost
What dentist vs orthodontist debate would be complete without discussing the cost of each?
Orthodontists typically cost more because they are specialists. It's also because the treatments they provide are rather pricey as well. For instance, braces or Invisalign® treatments both can cost between $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the severity of your misalignment. In Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the average cost of Invisalign® and braces ranges from $2,000 on the low end to $5,300 on the high end depending on the length of treatment. We also offer flexible payment plans with a $500 down payment.
General dentistry is less expensive but dentists also offer payment plans and your treatment is generally covered by dental insurance as well
Contact Us
Monmouth-Ocean Orthodontics proudly serves Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. We believe Jersey Shore residents deserve the best orthodontic care possible. That's why we use state-of-the-art technology and keep up with the latest techniques. Dr. Kevin Lang has over three decades of experience. Together with Dr. Eli Halabi and Dr. Haim Tawil, Monmouth Orthodontics is committed to giving you a smile that will last a lifetime.
To make an appointment, call our office at 732-531-4700 or visit our website today!
