What is the difference between an orthodontist & a dentist?

When it comes to the care of your teeth, receiving treatment from the appropriate professional is vital. That is why it’s important to know the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist and when you should seek the services of each.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses specifically on straightening teeth and ensuring your jaws are correctly aligned. Both are important to ensure your mouth functions properly when eating and chewing. If your teeth are crooked or your jaws are misaligned this can cause an inability to bite into food and chew properly due to the teeth not meeting correctly or not meeting at all in some cases.

An orthodontist is a trained dentist who has embarked on further postgraduate study to specialise in the field of orthodontics. This usually takes a further three years of study. Orthodontists who are recognised providers of Invisalign will have completed certification in this orthodontic treatment and be qualified to fit you with this appliance.


 OrthodontistDentist
Qualifications & Memberships
Bachelor of Dentistry (5 years)YesYes
Master of Orthodontics (MOrth) (3 years)Yes
General Dental Council Registered Specialist in OrthodonticsYes
Membership of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. British Orthodontic SocietyYes
Treatments & Services
General 6-month check upYes
Fillings & extractionsYes
Cleaning & polishingYes
Advises on overall oral health of teeth and gumsYesYes
Fitting of orthodontic appliances, such as braces & Invisalign alignersYesSome
Experience & Training
Is specifically trained in the movement of teeth and bite issuesYes
Recommends and treats patients after assessing overall facial profileYes
Uses the latest in orthodontic technology for the benefit of patientsYes
Attends regular training on developments in the orthodontic industryYes

Frequently Asked Questions >


Orthodontist or dentist

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The Smile Score

Many patients want to improve the look of their smile. An attractive smile can give your confidence a real boost. Elmhurst offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments available to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Because many patients have questions about the best way to give their smile a boost, our Smile Score assessment service is here to help you find the best cosmetic treatment to suit your wants, needs and budget.

Simply answer a few short questions, fill in your contact details and one of our orthodontic experts will assess your answers and get in touch with you to discuss the most suitable options available to you.

Click the blue button below to get started...
Invisible Braces

Question 1 of 6

Which of the below looks most similar to the current issue you or your child have?



Question 2 of 6

Have you had previous orthodontic treatment?

Question 3 of 6

If you answered 'yes' to our previous question, please describe the previous orthodontic treatment you had...


Question 4 of 6

What matters to you most?

Question 5 of 6

How soon would you like treatment to begin?

Question 6 of 6

Who is the treatment for?


Please fill in your details below, click Submit and one of our experts will be in touch.
Elmhurst Orthodontic Clinic is committed to protecting your privacy. We promise to keep all the information that you share with us strictly confidential.



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