When it comes to your oral health, it’s not always obvious which dental professional you should turn to. Should you book a regular checkup with a dentist? Or is it time to see an orthodontist? Understanding the difference between dentist and orthodontist can help you make smarter, more confident decisions about your care.
At Tribeca North Dentistry, we offer both general and orthodontic services, so this is a question we hear often. The truth is, while both professionals care for your teeth, their roles, training, and treatment goals are quite different. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences, when to see each, and how both play a vital role in keeping your smile healthy and strong.
A dentist is your primary provider for overall oral health. They focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and other everyday concerns. Dentists care for patients of all ages and help establish long-term habits for healthy smiles.
Common dentist services include:
At Tribeca North Dentistry, our dental team provides compassionate, comprehensive care designed to prevent problems before they start, especially important for young patients. If you're new to pediatric care, start with our guide: What Is Pediatric Dentistry?.
An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. After completing dental school, orthodontists undergo an additional two to three years of advanced training specifically in orthodontics.
Orthodontic treatments may include:
Orthodontists don’t focus on cleanings or cavities instead; they evaluate how your teeth and jaw fit together and recommend treatments to straighten your smile and improve function.
Understanding this difference between dentist and orthodontist helps patients take the right step at the right time especially when early intervention can reduce complications down the road.
Regular dental care is essential at every stage of life. You should schedule a dentist visit if you or your child are experiencing:
We recommend dental checkups every six months to stay ahead of any developing issues. For children, this is also the time to establish positive experiences and lifelong habits.
You might need an orthodontic evaluation if you notice:
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7, even if everything looks fine. Early evaluation allows us to monitor growth and offer timely solutions if needed.
Orthodontic care is also very common for adults, especially with discreet options like Invisalign. If you're unsure which path is right for your teen or yourself, our team can walk you through the pros and cons of each option.
Absolutely and often, they should. Dentists and orthodontists frequently collaborate to ensure that a patient’s teeth and jaw are not only healthy but also functioning and aligned properly. For example, a dentist may identify bite issues during a routine visit and refer a patient to an orthodontist for further evaluation.
When it comes to caring for your smile, both dentists and orthodontists play vital roles. While dentists keep your teeth and gums healthy, orthodontists ensure your bite is aligned, your teeth are positioned correctly, and your smile looks its best. Together, they form a powerful team committed to your long-term oral health.
Whether you’re looking for routine care, braces for your teen, or a complete smile transformation, Tribeca North Dentistry offers expert, family-friendly care in Tribeca, the Upper East Side, and Quogue. We make it easy to get the right care—at the right time—for every member of your family.
Book your appointment today, and let’s create a dental experience that’s thoughtful, thorough, and built just for you.
