When researching braces or Invisalign, you may come across the terms orthodontist and orthodontics used interchangeably. But even though they are closely related, they don’t actually mean the same thing.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what sets an orthodontist apart and how orthodontics can transform both oral health and confidence.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialised field of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. It addresses issues like crooked teeth, teeth with gaps, and overbites or underbites.
Why is orthodontic treatment important?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just cosmetic – proper alignment improves so many other aspects of your oral health too.
For example, orthodontic treatment improves your jaw alignment and bite function. Proper bite and jaw alignment also reduces uneven tooth wear that could cause issues as you get older.
For patients that have crowded or crooked teeth, flossing can be difficult. Orthodontic treatment makes oral hygiene easier by reducing hard-to-clean areas where plaque can build up. Long-term, this lowers the risk of gum disease and decay.
Just as importantly, a confident smile can have a powerful impact on self-esteem, social confidence, and overall wellbeing for both teens and adults.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed an additional three years of full-time university training beyond general dentistry, focusing exclusively on orthodontics.
Their role includes assessing growth and development, jaw and tooth alignment, and creating customised treatment plans. They will then fit your braces or Invisalign and monitor treatment progress, making precise adjustments along the way.
When choosing between a general dentist and an orthodontist, it’s important to understand that orthodontists have advanced expertise in tooth movement, particularly for complex cases or long-term results.
How do Orthodontists and Orthodontics Work Together?
In simple terms, orthodontics is the treatment and science behind straightening teeth. Orthodontic treatment includes different types of braces and Invisalign. An orthodontist is the specialist who delivers that treatment
Seeing an orthodontist ensures your orthodontic care is guided by in-depth training, experience, and evidence-based techniques to help achieve predictable, lasting results.
What to look for in an Orthodontist
If you’ve found yourself searching “orthodontics near me”, it’s worth looking beyond location alone. Make sure you are looking for a specialist Orthodontist. When looking for an orthodontist, consider the range of treatment options offered, as well as their focus on patient education and personalised care.
Choosing the right specialist orthodontist from the start ensures your treatment is not only effective, but also comfortable.
At ethos, our team of Queensland orthodontists provides specialist orthodontic care backed by clinical expertise, modern technology, and a patient-first approach. From initial consultation through to final results, every treatment plan is designed with precision, comfort, and long-term dental health in mind.
👉 Book your consultation with ethos Orthodontics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialised area of dentistry focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist trained to assess alignment issues and provide treatments like braces or Invisalign.
Is orthodontics the same as an orthodontist?
No. Orthodontics is the treatment and science, while an orthodontist is the specialist who provides that treatment.
What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
Orthodontists complete three extra years of full-time specialist training focused solely on tooth and jaw movement. Learn more about dentists vs orthodontists.
Who can I speak to about orthodontic treatment?
The team at ethos Orthodontics can guide you through your options and create a tailored treatment plan.
