The Differences Between Dentists, Pedodontists, and Orthodontists
- Dentists: All three professionals—dentists, pedodontists, and orthodontists—fall under the realm of oral care specialists, but their expertise diverges into distinct domains.
- Orthodontists: Diving deeper into teeth alignment and jaw corrections, orthodontists undergo an additional two to three years of intensive training solely dedicated to orthodontics.
- Pedodontists: Specializing in comprehensive pediatric dental care, these experts undergo an additional two to three years of training encompassing various facets of children’s dentistry.
While every orthodontist is a dentist, only a small fraction of dentists—roughly 10 percent—pursue orthodontics. Their primary focus remains rectifying misaligned teeth and jaw irregularities.
General dentists and pedodontists usually refer patients to orthodontists when encountering issues related to teeth alignment or bite irregularities, similar to how physicians direct patients to specialists for specific health concerns.
With the growing number of general dentists and pedodontists providing orthodontic services, understanding the nuances of specialized care is more important than ever. At Davoody & Hablinski Orthodontics, we are devoted exclusively to orthodontics, creating countless beautiful smiles over the years. Before beginning your journey to a straighter smile, schedule a complimentary smile consultation with us today.