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Orthodontist vs dentist

Name: Marvel Orthodontics™
Telephone: (02) 9122 1900

Orthodontists and dentists both play important roles in the health of your smile. But what are those roles? Discover how our Specialist Orthodontists work together with general dentists to ensure your smile is beautiful and healthy.

What’s the difference between an orthodontist and dentist?

Here is a simple chart to help you understand the differences between dentists and orthodontists:

Qualification and Memberships
Treatments and Services
Experience and Training

	Orthodontist	Dentist
Doctor of Dental Surgery (5 years)
Minimum of 3 years post-graduate training and exams
Master of Orthodontics (MOrth)(3 years)
Member of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO)

	Orthodontist	Dentist
General 6-month check up
Fillings & extractions
Cleaning & polishing
Advises on overall oral health of teeth and gums
Fitting of orthodontic appliances, such as braces & Invisalign aligners		Some general dentists may fit braces and Invisalign but they are not specialists in orthodontics.

	Orthodontist	Dentist
Is specifically trained to in the movement of teeth and bite issues
Recommends and treats patients after assessing overall facial profile
Uses the latest in orthodontic technology for the benefit of patients
Attends regular training on developments in the orthodontic industry
Is a member of The Invisible Orthodontist (TIO) Network	Not all orthodontists are members of TIO but those that are demonstrate further commitment to promoting invisible orthodontic treatment.

Qualifications of an orthodontist

Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry. To become a Specialist Orthodontist, one must first complete general dental training, followed by at least two years of vocational training and an additional three years of postgraduate study focused on orthodontics.

Only after completing this rigorous education and training can a Specialist Orthodontist assess the overall alignment of your teeth, jaws, and facial symmetry to develop a personalised treatment plan.

Dentists who have not undergone this extensive training are not considered specialists in orthodontics; they can only claim to have a ‘special interest’ in the field.

The Invisible Orthodontist Network

At Marvel Orthodontics, we are members of The Invisible Orthodontist network (TIO). This is a worldwide network of orthodontists dedicated to providing patients with the best orthodontic outcomes through the use of invisible techniques.

Because we stay at the cutting edge of invisible treatments, we are highly experienced in both Invisalign® treatment and Spark treatment. We attend regular continuing education to ensure we provide the best experience and results for our patients.

Why choose a Specialist Orthodontist?

Some dentists provide braces or ‘fast orthodontic treatments,’ but these options can be more harmful than beneficial because they are not tailored to your unique smile. Seeking orthodontic treatment from a general dentist may even require a visit to an orthodontist later on.

To ensure the health and safety of your teeth, it's always preferable to consult a Specialist Orthodontist, who has the specialised expertise to effectively and safely enhance your smile.