Orthodontists vs Dentists. Understanding The Difference

Whenever we think of teeth problems of any kind, the word dentist is usually the first one that comes to mind. But did you know that there’s a separate branch of dentistry that deals with specific types of teeth issues?

It goes by the name of orthodontics, and the dentists who study and practice this specialized branch of dentistry are called orthodontists.

More About Orthodontics

To give you some more context about this term, the word orthodontics is a combination of two Greek words ‘orthos’ meaning straight, and ‘dontics’ meaning teeth.

So basically, all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Let us get a better understanding of these terms, shall we?

Orthodontists vs Dentists | The Difference

Dentistry by itself is pretty vast and includes plenty of other specialized branches, like:

Orthodontics - which deals with straightening misaligned teeth and malocclusions

Prosthodontics - which deals with repairing or replacing broken teeth

Periodontics - which deals with gum care and treating diseases like gingivitis and gum diseases

Endodontics - which deals with preservation of teeth after it’s been decayed severely. To be more specific, root canals are performed by endodontists

So as you can see, dentistry is pretty vast and there are different types of dentists you may need to see depending on the teeth issue you’re facing.

With that being said, let us shift our focus back to ‘orthodontists vs dentists’. Now that you know how they’re different from the broader term ‘dentist’ and what they do, let us understand how they do it.

Orthodontists vs Dentists | How They Work

Picture this. You’ve got a gap between your top front two teeth and go to your local dentist. That dentist may or may not be an orthodontist.

If he isn’t, he’ll do the initial examination of your teeth and look for any other possible underlying issue. He’ll then recommend you to an orthodontist who’ll be able to fix your teeth gap issue.

But if your local dentist happens to be an orthodontist, he’ll be able to fix your teeth gap issue using one of the many orthodontic treatment options that are available today.

These treatment options include the likes of braces and clear aligners.

While braces have been the preferred option for years and are available in various types, clear aligners are steadily becoming the more sought after teeth straightening option, and we’ll tell you why that’s happening.

That’s because when compared to traditional braces, clear aligners are:

• Removable. Which means you can take them off when you’re eating, drinking, and brushing! So no more food restrictions

• Comfortable. They’re personalized for your teeth, and offer a snug fit

• Almost invisible. Unlike braces that have very visible wires and brackets, clear aligners are almost invisible to the naked eye

Your orthodontist will lay out all the treatment options in front of you with their respective pros, cons, restrictions, and most importantly, the cost.

Then depending on what you choose, your orthodontist will start your teeth straightening treatment.

Do keep in mind that with braces, you will have to go for regular follow-up visits to your orthodontist to get the wires tightened.

So now you know how each of them work when it comes to orthodontists vs dentists, let us tell you just how orthodontists at toothsi work, and how they’ve helped us design over 1.5 lakh smiles!

How Orthodontists Work At toothsi by makeO

At toothsi by makeO, we’re backed by orthodontists with over 10 years of experience, who monitor your smile makeover journey from start to finish, and beyond.

Add to it the fact that toothsi by makeO was founded by 4 dental professionals who also bring in their years of knowledge and experience, you can rest assured that your dream smile is in great hands! Click here to know more about our founders.

In terms of how we fix orthodontic issues, well firstly we’ll find out the specific issue which you’re facing with an at-home 3D scan. This scan will be done by our experts, whom we fondly call toothsi pros.

In case 3D scans are not available around you, you could get a 3D scan done at any one of our partner orthodontist clinics across India.

We’ve got over 2,000 partner orthodontists, so you can choose the one closest to you. You can click here to know more and book yourself a scan.

But in case even that isn’t available in your area, you can simply order an Impression Kit from our website by clicking here.

Once delivered, we’ll contact you to set up a video consultation with our expert to help you take the correct impression of your teeth. We’ll then arrange for a reverse pick-up of your impression from your place.

Now once we’ve received your 3D scan files or impressions, our orthodontists will start preparing your customized smile makeover plan using the latest CAD/CAM technology.

When ready, your plan will be shared with you on your registered email id. In that plan, our orthodontists will show you just how your misaligned teeth would be fixed with clear aligners over the course of the treatment, and the tentative final result as well!

Only when you’re satisfied with the plan and have approved the same, your personalized aligners will go into production.

Once shipped to you, tracking your smile makeover progress is easier than ever, thanks to our app, which also lets you share your progress with our expert orthodontists and get in touch with them in a few taps.

Orthodontists vs Dentists | The Final Word

They specialize in orthodontics and fix misaligned teeth and malocclusions using orthodontic treatment options like braces and clear aligners.

That’s how orthodontists are different from dentists, and at toothsi, orthodontists help you get the smile you’ve always wanted, right from the comfort of your home!

So if your misaligned teeth are stopping you from flaunting your million dollar smile, why not fix your orthodontic issue with clear aligners?

Since they’re almost invisible, nobody will ever know that you’re wearing them, and unlike braces, clear aligners won’t stop you from having your favorite foods!

Better yet? toothsi clear aligners are incredibly pocket-friendly, too. Because our plans start at just ₹2,786/month!

Unbelievable, right? So what are you waiting for? Just click here to get started, and let our cutting-edge tech and orthodontist-backed solutions give you the smile you’ve always desired.

About makeO

makeO is the first of its kind at-home oral and skin care services in India, that is focussed on providing technology and science-backed solutions to its customers.

makeO will offer expert-backed oral and skin care solutions such as teeth alignment with clear aligners, laser hair removal, hydra facial, acne treatment services, anti-ageing treatments, and premium products, including electric toothbrush, teeth whitening kit, aligner cleaning foam, face wash, toner, etc. – all of which are available directly at customers’ doorstep as well as at makeO experience centres and partner clinics.