An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and treats problems with how teeth and jaws are aligned. That includes crowded or crooked teeth, gaps, and bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. While a general dentist focuses on overall oral health, an orthodontist has additional years of specialized training focused specifically on straightening teeth and correcting bite problems using tools like braces, clear aligners, and retainers.
If you are new to orthodontic care, whether for yourself or your child, understanding the orthodontist role can make the process feel far less intimidating. This guide covers what an orthodontist treats, how their training differs from a general dentist, and what you can expect during a first visit.
Orthodontist vs Dentist: What Is the Difference
People often ask about orthodontist vs dentist differences, since both work inside the mouth and both can seem similar on the surface. A general dentist handles the broad picture of oral health, including cleanings, fillings, gum health, and preventive care. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two to three years of specialized residency training focused entirely on tooth movement and jaw alignment.
In practical terms, this means:
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Dentists monitor general oral health and refer patients to orthodontists when alignment issues are identified
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Orthodontists design and manage treatment plans involving braces, aligners, and other appliances
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Both may work together during treatment, especially if a patient needs a cleaning or filling while wearing braces
Because of this focused training, an orthodontic specialist is generally the right provider to see for anything involving crooked teeth, spacing, or bite correction.
What Does an Orthodontist Treat
An orthodontist can fix a wide range of alignment and bite issues. Some of the most common conditions include:
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Crowded or overlapping teeth
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Gaps or spacing between teeth
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Overbites, where the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth
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Underbites, where the lower jaw extends past the upper jaw
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Crossbites, where upper and lower teeth do not line up correctly
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Open bites, where the front teeth do not meet when biting down
Left untreated, many of these conditions can lead to uneven wear on teeth, jaw discomfort, and difficulty with chewing or speech. Addressing them early, when appropriate, can prevent more complex treatment later on.
Pediatric Orthodontist vs Adult Orthodontist Care
Orthodontists treat patients of every age, though the approach differs depending on whether the jaw is still developing.
Pediatric Orthodontist Care
A pediatric orthodontist often focuses on early evaluation, since catching certain bite issues while the jaw is still growing can make treatment more effective. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by around age seven, even if treatment does not start right away.
Adult Orthodontist Care
Adult orthodontist treatment is increasingly common, since jaw growth has already finished, treatment plans for adults tend to focus purely on tooth movement and bite correction rather than guiding growth. Many adults choose options like Invisalign for a more discreet treatment experience.
When to See an Orthodontist
Knowing when to see an orthodontist can be confusing for first-time patients. In general, it makes sense to schedule a consultation if you notice any of the following:
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Visibly crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
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Noticeable gaps between teeth
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Difficulty biting or chewing comfortably
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A jaw that shifts or makes sounds when opening and closing
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Your dentist has recommended an evaluation
Even without obvious symptoms, a general checkup with an orthodontist can identify issues before they become more noticeable or harder to treat.
What Happens at a First Orthodontic Visit
A first visit is designed to be informative and low pressure. Typically, it includes:
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A conversation about your concerns, goals, and dental history
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A visual examination of your teeth and bite
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X-rays or digital scans to get a full picture of tooth and jaw positioning
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A discussion of potential treatment options, timelines, and cost
You are not committing to treatment simply by attending a consultation. It is an opportunity to ask questions and understand your options before making any decisions.
How Diamond Braces Orthodontists Work With Patients
At Diamond Braces, orthodontists are supported by a broader team that helps make the process approachable from the very first visit, whether at one of our offices or through your first conversation with our team of orthodontists. Every patient's plan is built around their specific bite and alignment needs, whether that involves braces or Invisalign. With multiple locations across NY, NJ, PA, and CT, care is designed to be convenient no matter where you live.
If you are unsure whether your concerns require a specialist, scheduling a consultation is the simplest way to get a clear answer. An experienced orthodontist can quickly tell you whether treatment is recommended and what it would involve.
Final Thoughts
An orthodontist plays a focused, specialized role in oral health, correcting alignment and bite issues that go beyond general dental care. From treating crowded teeth to guiding jaw development in children, their training equips them to handle problems that a general dentist typically refers out. Whether you are exploring treatment for yourself or your child, understanding what an orthodontist does is the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an orthodontist do that a dentist cannot?
Orthodontists have additional specialized training in diagnosing and correcting tooth alignment and bite issues, which allows them to design and manage treatment involving braces, aligners, and other appliances that general dentists typically do not provide.
What can an orthodontist fix besides crooked teeth?
Beyond straightening teeth, orthodontists treat bite issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, as well as spacing problems and some jaw alignment concerns.
At what age should a child see an orthodontist for the first time?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by around age seven, even if active treatment does not begin until later.
Do adults need to see an orthodontist differently than children?
The core evaluation is similar, but adult orthodontist care focuses on tooth movement and bite correction since jaw growth is complete, while pediatric orthodontist care may also involve guiding jaw development.
What services does an orthodontic specialist typically offer?
Most orthodontic specialists offer traditional braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, retainers, and ongoing monitoring throughout treatment to adjust the plan as teeth move.
How does Diamond Braces support first-time patients?
Diamond Braces offers a consultation to evaluate your teeth and bite, explain your treatment options, and answer any questions before you decide on a plan, with multiple convenient locations across the Tri-State area.
Article written by Diamond Braces Clinical Staff, medically reviewed by Dr. Oleg Drut
