What is the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist?

Published on: September 9, 2026

An orthodontist and a general dentist both care for your oral health, but their areas of focus are different. A general dentist manages overall dental care, while an orthodontist specialises in correcting teeth alignment, bite issues, and jaw-related concerns.

Understanding the difference can help you choose the right dental professional based on your needs.

Role of a General Dentist

A general dentist focuses on maintaining overall oral health and treating common dental concerns such as:

• Cavities and tooth decay
• Gum problems
• Teeth cleaning and preventive care
• Tooth pain and infections
• Routine dental examinations

General dentists help prevent dental problems and provide treatments to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist specialises in diagnosing and treating problems related to teeth positioning and jaw alignment. They commonly manage concerns such as:

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Bite problems like overbite or underbite
• Alignment issues affecting smile and function

Orthodontic treatments may include braces, clear aligners, and other corrective approaches depending on the patient’s dental condition.

When Should You Visit an Orthodontist?

You may benefit from an orthodontic consultation if you notice:

• Teeth that overlap or appear uneven
• Difficulty with proper biting or chewing
• Spacing concerns between teeth
• Jaw alignment problems

A proper evaluation helps determine whether orthodontic treatment is suitable for your needs.

Dr. Deepali Chavan provides orthodontic consultations and helps patients understand suitable treatment options for improving teeth alignment and oral function at Yashashree Dental Clinic.

• Orthodontic assessment
• Personalised treatment planning
• Guidance throughout the alignment journey

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