Orthodontist vs Dentist: Which One Should I See?
If you’ve noticed your teeth are crooked, crowded, or your bite feels off, you might be wondering whether to book with your regular dentist or go straight to an orthodontist. At Orthodontics at Parramatta, we see both patients referred by their dentist and patients who’ve come straight to us. Here’s how to know which is right for your situation.
Key Takeaways
No referral is needed to book a consultation with an orthodontist.
Dentists look after general oral health: teeth, gums, fillings, and routine care.
Orthodontists specialise in the alignment of teeth, bites, and jaws, and complete years of additional specialist training after their dentistry degree.
For crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites, a specialist orthodontist is the right person to see.
What Does a Dentist Do?
A dentist is your first point of contact for general oral health. Their scope covers:
- Regular check-ups and cleans
- Fillings, extractions, and restorations
- X-rays and preventive care
- Monitoring overall dental and gum health
- Identifying when a referral to a specialist may be needed
Dentists complete a dental degree and are qualified to manage a broad range of oral health concerns. Some dentists also offer basic orthodontic services such as clear aligners, though this falls outside their specialist training.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses specifically on the alignment of teeth, bites, and jaws. After completing a dentistry degree, orthodontists go on to complete a further three years of full-time specialist training, which is recognised by the Dental Board of Australia.
That additional training means orthodontists have a deeper understanding of tooth movement, jaw development, and bite mechanics than a general dentist.
At Orthodontics at Parramatta, our specialist orthodontists treat patients of all ages, from children having their first assessment to adults seeking treatment for the first time.
Dentist vs Orthodontist: Key Differences
| Dentist | Orthodontist | |
| Focus | General oral health | Tooth alignment, bite, and jaw |
| Qualifications | Dental degree | Dental degree plus specialist orthodontic training |
| Treatments | Fillings, extractions, cleans, restorations | Braces, Invisalign, retainers, bite correction |
| Referral needed | No | No |
| Best for | Routine care and general dental concerns | Crowding, gaps, crooked teeth, and bite issues |
When Should You See a Dentist?
See your dentist for routine check-ups and cleans, any pain or sensitivity, fillings or restorations, and general concerns about your teeth or gums. Your dentist is also a good starting point if you’re unsure whether your concerns are orthodontic in nature, and they’ll often refer you to a specialist if they think it’s warranted.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
See an orthodontist if you’re dealing with any of the following:
- Crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when you bite
- Jaw discomfort or clicking
- A child whose teeth or jaw development you want assessed
Take a look at our smile gallery to see the kind of results specialist orthodontic treatment can achieve.
Do You Need a Referral to See an Orthodontist?
No, you can book directly without a referral from your dentist. Many patients come to us this way, and if your dentist has recommended you see an orthodontist, we’re happy to work alongside them.
Not Sure? That’s What the First Visit Is For
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is something an orthodontist can help with, the easiest thing to do is book a consultation or contact us on 02 7803 7803. Our first visit is obligation-free, and you’ll leave with a clear picture of your options.
Book Your Braces Consultation With Us Today
From our clinic in Parramatta, our team can offer guidance to help you decide if braces are right for you.
Book an appointment online, or call 02 7803 7803 to discuss your treatment pathways with our team
FAQs
A dentist manages general oral health, while an orthodontist specialises in tooth alignment, bite correction, and jaw development.
Yes. After completing a dental degree, orthodontists undertake further full-time specialist training recognised by the Dental Board of Australia, specifically focused on orthodontics.
Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth fall within the specific scope of specialist orthodontic care.
Around age 7 or 8 is generally recommended for a first assessment. Early review doesn’t mean immediate treatment, it just gives a specialist a clear picture of how the jaw and bite are developing.
Yes. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment, and we regularly treat adults who are considering braces or Invisalign for the first time.
