- 333/71 Jones Street, Ultimo NSW 2007
- (02) 8668 4411
When it comes to achieving a healthy, aligned smile, you may wonder whether you should see a dentist or an orthodontist. While both are qualified oral healthcare providers, their training, focus, and treatment capabilities vary significantly. Understanding these differences can help you make the best decision for your dental care.
A general dentist is your go-to provider for overall oral health. Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat a wide variety of dental problems including:
Tooth decay
Gum disease
Oral infections
Missing or broken teeth
Cosmetic issues like stained or chipped teeth
Most general dentists also offer cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers, and even clear aligners like Invisalign. Some dentists pursue additional training in orthodontics, allowing them to provide basic teeth-straightening services.
Fact: Dentists must complete a 5–6 year dental degree and may pursue further education in cosmetic or orthodontic procedures.
Source: Australian Dental Association – Your Dental Team
An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses on diagnosing and correcting issues with tooth alignment, bite, and jaw structure. After completing dental school, orthodontists undergo an additional 2–3 years of specialist training to treat conditions like:
Malocclusions (bad bites)
Crowded, gapped, or rotated teeth
Jaw irregularities requiring surgical planning
Long-term orthodontic maintenance and relapse prevention
Orthodontists use tools like braces, Invisalign, palatal expanders, and sometimes orthognathic (jaw) surgery in complex cases.
Source: Australian Society of Orthodontists – What is Orthodontics?
While both providers can help improve your smile, they offer different scopes of care:
Routine check-ups and professional cleans
Dental fillings for cavities
Tooth extractions
Treatment of gum disease
Dental implants and crowns
Basic orthodontic treatments (Invisalign, retainers)
Orthodontists Offer:Braces (metal, ceramic, lingual)
Invisalign and other clear aligner systems
Jaw expanders
Headgear
Orthodontics involving jaw surgery
Management of severe misalignments or bite issues
Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
While some dentists offer orthodontic services, complex alignment cases often require specialist care. Dentists will refer patients to orthodontists when:
Jaw surgery is required
Severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites exist
Growth modification is needed in children
Orthodontic relapse from a past treatment occurs
Orthodontist consultations and treatments generally cost more than general dental visits, due to the complexity and duration of care. However, your general dentist is often the best first point of contact. They can assess your oral health, recommend treatments, and only refer you to a specialist if absolutely necessary—saving you time and money.
At Lumina Dental, we focus on delivering high-quality cosmetic and general dentistry. Our experienced team will evaluate your oral condition and offer a tailored treatment plan that may include aesthetic procedures or mild orthodontic solutions. If your case requires more complex intervention, we maintain trusted referral relationships with reputable orthodontists to ensure you receive the best outcome.
| Treatment Need | Best Professional |
|---|---|
| Routine care & cleaning | Dentist |
| Cavities & fillings | Dentist |
| Teeth whitening & veneers | Dentist |
| Mild teeth alignment (Invisalign) | Dentist |
| Complex bite issues | Orthodontist |
| Jaw growth problems | Orthodontist |
| Braces or headgear | Orthodontist |
The best approach? Start with a dentist you trust and work closely with them to determine the right path for your dental and aesthetic goals.
