Understanding the Differences Between Dentists, Pedodontists, and Orthodontists
- Dentists: All three—dentists, pedodontists, and orthodontists—are oral care experts, yet each specializes in distinct areas of dental health.
- Orthodontists: These professionals undergo an additional two to three years of rigorous training in orthodontics, focusing on teeth alignment and jaw correction beyond general dentistry.
- Pedodontists: Specializing in comprehensive children’s dental care, pedodontists undergo an additional two to three years of training, covering various aspects of pediatric dentistry.
While all orthodontists are dentists, only a minority of dentists—about 10 percent—are orthodontists. General dentists and pedodontists typically refer patients to orthodontists when issues with teeth alignment or bite irregularities arise, akin to how physicians refer patients to specialists for specific health concerns.
Given the surge in general dentists and pedodontists offering orthodontic services, discerning the nuances in treatment and care becomes crucial. At Greater Houston Orthodontics, our sole focus is orthodontics—consistently crafting countless stunning smiles over the years. Before embarking on your teeth-straightening journey, connect with our office for a complimentary smile examination.