Orthodontist vs. Dentist: Who Should You See for What?

When it comes to caring for your teeth, it is easy to get confused about whether you should see a dentist or an orthodontist. Both play important roles in maintaining oral health, but they focus on different areas of care. Understanding who does what can help you make smarter decisions for your teeth and overall wellbeing.

If you are looking for professional guidance and treatment in Melbourne, a dentist in Preston can often provide general dental care and refer you to a specialist orthodontist if needed. Knowing when to see each one can save you time, money and discomfort in the long run.

What Does a Dentist Do?

Dentists are primary care providers for oral health. They diagnose and treat issues with teeth, gums and the mouth. A general dentist is who you would normally see for regular check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals and advice on daily oral hygiene.

Common Services Offered by Dentists

Routine check-ups and cleans
Dental fillings for cavities
Tooth extractions
Root canal therapy
Crowns, bridges and veneers
Oral cancer screening
Gum disease treatment
Preventive care and oral hygiene advice

A general dentist Preston will look after your everyday dental needs. They focus on preventing problems and managing minor to moderate oral issues before they become more serious.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist is a type of dental specialist who focuses on correcting irregularities in the teeth and jaw. They receive additional training after dental school to deal with complex alignment issues. If your teeth are crowded, your bite is off or your jaw is misaligned, an orthodontist is the right professional to see.

Common Services Offered by Orthodontists

Braces for children and adults
Clear aligners such as Invisalign
Retainers and spacers
Jaw alignment correction
Treatment for bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
Facial growth management in younger patients

Orthodontists work closely with general dentists to make sure patients get the right kind of care at the right time. In most cases, you will be referred to an orthodontist by your regular dentist.

Key Differences Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist

While both dentists and orthodontists are trained in oral health, their roles and training are different. Dentists provide general care for your teeth and gums, while orthodontists focus specifically on aligning teeth and correcting bites.

Feature	Dentist	Orthodontist
Education	Dental school	Dental school + 2–3 years specialist training
Focus Area	General oral health	Teeth and jaw alignment
Common Procedures	Fillings, cleanings, crowns	Braces, Invisalign, jaw correction
Referral Needed?	No	Usually requires a dentist’s referral

Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions about who to see for your particular needs.

When to See a Dentist

You should see your dentist every six months for a regular check-up and clean. It is also important to book an appointment if you notice any of the following:

Tooth pain or sensitivity
Bleeding or swollen gums
Bad breath that does not go away
A cracked or broken tooth
Cavities or visible holes in teeth
Jaw pain or clicking

If you are based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, booking an appointment with a trusted dentist in Preston ensures you get prompt and professional care close to home.

When to See an Orthodontist

You should consider seeing an orthodontist if:

Your teeth are crooked or crowded
You have gaps between your teeth
You have difficulty biting or chewing
You have an overbite or underbite
Your jaw feels out of place or makes noises
You want cosmetic teeth straightening options like Invisalign

Children as young as seven can benefit from an early orthodontic assessment, especially if issues are visible. Adults who missed out on braces when younger can still benefit from treatment too.

Can a Dentist Provide Orthodontic Treatment?

Some general dentists offer basic orthodontic treatments like clear aligners for mild alignment issues. However, for more complex cases, a referral to an orthodontist is usually recommended. Orthodontists have the training and tools to deal with more involved cases and are up to date with the latest techniques and technologies.

If your dentist in Preston offers orthodontic consultations, they can help you assess whether you are suitable for in-house care or need to see a specialist.

Making the Right Choice for Your Oral Health

Choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist depends on your individual dental needs. For regular cleanings, fillings, tooth pain or gum concerns, a dentist is your go-to professional. If your concern is with how your teeth are positioned or how your bite fits together, then an orthodontist is the better choice.

Ideally, both professionals work together to provide you with a complete care plan. Your dentist can monitor your general oral health and refer you to an orthodontist when more specialised treatment is needed.

Dentists and orthodontists each bring unique skills to the table. While a dentist helps maintain your day-to-day oral health, an orthodontist can correct alignment problems for a better bite and straighter smile. Understanding who to see and when can make all the difference in your dental journey.

If you’re looking to start with general care or are unsure which professional you need, a local dentist is a great first step. With regular visits and the right advice, you can stay ahead of dental issues and enjoy a healthier, more confident smile for years to come.