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Our first time at a dental clinic to see the dental nurse was our first experience of the dental profession. And for many this would have continued with visits to our family dentist for yearly checkups. So when should you see an Orthodontist? Is your dentist also an Orthodontist?

First, let's take a look at the difference in training.

Orthodontist vs Dentist Training

All Orthodontist are qualified dentists, but only 2.5% of dentists are an Orthodontist in New Zealand.

What does this mean?

Orthodontists and dentists complete the same training initially. In New Zealand this is the Bachelor of Dental Surgery or BDS. To become a dentist, you must complete one year of health sciences and four years of dental school at a university.

A dentist can either choose to practice as a general dentist or pursue a dental speciality such as Orthodontics. Think of it as your family doctor going to specialise to become a Surgeon.

Orthodontic speciality training goes beyond dental training and has a specific focus on aligning the jaws and moving the teeth. This is equivalent to 3 years of additional education or approximately 7500 hours of full-time university training. The training focuses on Orthodontic, facial growth, development of the teeth and jaws, biology, orthodontic care and orthodontic treatment mechanics.

Orthodontists hold a general dental degree (BDS) and a specialist orthodontic degree (DClinDent Orth. Or MDS).

An individual can only be recognised as an "Orthodontist" by the dental regulators if they have received the appropriate training at an accredited University.

What does a Dentist do?

Dentists are experts at good oral health. They are like your family GP. They will typically provide the following:

• Spot and treat cavities

• Treat mild gum disease and oral hygiene problems

• Improve cracked and misshapen teeth (crowns, veneers etc)

• Root canals

• Cosmetic work (veneers, whitening etc.)

• Replacing missing teeth (implants and plates)

If a dentist sees a problem requires additional expertise they will refer you to a dental specialist e.g., Orthodontist.

What do Orthodontists do?

Orhodontists are specialists who focus on your bite and alignment of your teeth. Their job is to make sure that not only do you have a great smile but your bite feels good and functions properly. They do it all day, every day.

Our specialty diagnoses and treats the following problems:

• Crooked teeth

• Missing permanent teeth

• Bite problems such as an overbite, underbite and cross bite

• Gap teeth

• Issues with the growth and development of the baby and adult teeth

• Misalignment of the jaw, including cases that need surgery

• Early intervention treatment for younger patients

Some dentists will offer orthodontic treatment for simple to moderate orthodontic problems - this is usually Fast Braces or Invisalign. However, straightening and proper alignment of the teeth and jaws are both very complex processes that require experience and expertise. We highly recommend that you see a specialist Orthodontist for any orthodontic issue.

If your problem is simple, an orthodontist has dealt with it many times and can fix it quickly and confidently. If it is more complex, they have the training and experience to spot the complexity of the issue and advise on the best treatment plan considering all the specialist orthodontic tools available.

It can be dangerous to attempt treatment of many orthodontic issues with a quick fix.

So who should you call?

The good news is that often dentists and Orthodontists work together.

If your Orthodontist picks up a cavity or if you have toothache they will refer you to the dentist. If your dentist thinks you or your child have issues with your teeth alignment or bite they will send you to the Orthodontist. 

Your Orthodontist will see you to watch your teeth as they grow and develop and also during your orthodontic treatment. However you will see your dentist for your lifetime.

If you would like to see one of our Orthodontic specialists please click here. Or if you would like to find a registered Orthodontist near you click here.