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Orthodontist or Dentist? How to Know Which One You Need For Your Dental Issues

Home » Blog » Orthodontist or Dentist? How to Know Which One You Need For Your Dental Issues

Are you in Oklahoma City, unsure if you need an orthodontist or dentist for your mouth issues?

You’re probably familiar with the basic services of a dentist, like cleanings, fillings, and crowns. Have you considered who might take care of more specific problems, like crooked teeth?

You might be surprised that over 4 million Americans wear braces, and a million of these are adults. When a dentist notices certain dental problems that are outside their general area of expertise, they will refer the patient to a specialist.

Even without a referral, some patients may contact a dental expert like an orthodontist because they are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, and their dentist can’t fix it.

We’re going to compare the two professions, so you know who you need and when. Read on!

Orthodontist or Dentist?

Both orthodontists and dentists offer dental solutions for issues with your mouth, and there is some overlap between the services they offer. That’s because they both start with the same training and education.

First, they complete four years of undergraduate education at college for a pre-dentistry/medical degree. Next, there are another four years at a graduate school of dentistry. A series of qualification exams follow, notably the National Dental Exam, before they receive their clinical practice license.

If successful, the graduate will now become a dentist, either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD).

The path deviates here, and a general dentist will likely choose to immediately enter practice, while an orthodontist (or other dental specialists) will continue their education. The continued certification includes a 2-3 year residency and many thousands of hours of training in orthodontics.

After residency, there are additional certification tests that they need to pass before an orthodontist is qualified to practice orthodontics.

What Is a Dentist?

Dentists are oral health specialists who carry out a range of care services. They are doctors that promote good oral hygiene and disease prevention while diagnosing diseases in the mouth when they do arise.

A dentist will create a treatment plan for their patients to restore optimum oral health. In the course of their work, they need the ability to interpret an x-ray. They will perform diagnostic tests to get an accurate picture of what’s going on in your mouth.

They will often perform surgery on a tooth or surrounding tissue and bone, so they are trained to use anesthesia safely. A dentist will also keep an eye on your teeth and jaw and track them as they develop over time.

A dentist will usually be in charge of a team that includes assistants and hygienists. Some procedures that a dentist might perform are dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and extractions.

What Is an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics is a dental specialism that focused on correcting the position of teeth and the jaw when they are out of alignment. Patients tend to visit an orthodontist for a specific treatment and usually only visit them until the treatment plan is complete.

In practice, an Orthodontist will straighten crooked and misaligned teeth. They can also help correct teeth that do not fit together correctly due to problems with the bite. Bite issues that may lead your dentist to refer you to an orthodontist include:

  • Overbite (upper teeth protrude over lower teeth)
  • Underbite (lower teeth protrude under upper teeth)
  • Crossbite (upper teeth don’t meet lower teeth correctly)
  • Open bite (spaces in the biting surfaces when teeth meet)
  • Deep bite (front teeth cover bottom teeth when the mouth is closed)
  • Crowding (overlapping/rotated teeth due to lack of space)
  • Spacing (large gaps between teeth for various reasons)

Why Visit a Dentist?

A dentist is similar to a doctor in that you tend to visit them regularly throughout a lifetime for general wellness check-ups. You also see a dentist to address specific problems in your mouth.

When a condition is outside the realm of the expertise of a general dentist, they will make a referral. This referral might be to a specialist like an oral surgeon or an orthodontist.

The reasons for a regular dental visit are plentiful. For one thing, routine check-ups can discover cavities in their early stages. Quick treatment of a cavity means that it is less like to progress into a more serious tooth issue.

They can also identify gum disease, even though you might be unaware that you have it. At your regular exam and cleaning, the dentist will usually check for signs of oral cancer as well as ensuring that all your fillings are healthy and intact.

Oral health is linked to your general physical health, so visiting a dentist is important in the prevention of other diseases that could be indirectly triggered.

Why Visit an Orthodontist?

Among other things, you might visit an orthodontist in OKC for braces and retainers. Teeth that aren’t correctly aligned are a challenge to clean, so face a higher risk for disease and decay.

Misaligned teeth can also put an increased strain on the muscles involved in chewing food. This can, in turn, cause headaches as well as pain radiating elsewhere in the body.

Temporomandibular (TMJ) pain and disorders may follow from bite problems. The TMJ acts like a sliding hinge and connects the skull to the jawbone. The corrective treatment plan prescribed by your orthodontist can remedy the conditions above.

An orthodontist will use a variety of fixed and/or removable appliances to help relocate the teeth over time, recondition muscles, and influence jaw development. Fixed appliances tend to get better results faster, but removable appliances are popular choices for patients who prefer not to have metal wires and brackets visible.

Whether you choose metal, ceramic, or Invisalign, an OKC orthodontist has all types of braces and aligners to fit your lifestyle or preference.

Perfect Alignment

We’ve covered the main reasons you’d need either an orthodontist or dentist. Don’t let crooked teeth and jaw pain dominate your life. An orthodontic treatment plan can have you pain-free and smiling again.

If you’re a family in need of an Oklahoma City orthodontist or a referral dentist, we can help you. We are an orthodontic practice, providing comprehensive care for kids, teens, and adults.

Contact us today to schedule a digital consultation.

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Rachel A.
We have been seeing Dr. Craig and Dr. Streight for about 18 months. They were recommended to us by several others, as well as our dentist. We have had a very positive experience. We are hopefully almost done, and our next child is starting to see them now as well. We are confident he is in good hands.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review!
Mike C.
Did us a solid job. We agreed on a price and they held up their end. No complaints.
Response from the owner:Hey Mike. Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we appreciate your support!
Vanessa Monik R.
First, I am extremely thankful and happy with the customer service here at Craig & Streight orthodontics! After going to a total of 3 different Orthos, I decided CSO was perfect for my needs. I was able to get my braces on same day and they tailored a payment schedule to my budget. Kari and Ryan listened to me and answered all my questions. Thank you everyone! A BIG Thank you to the gal that applied my braces. I look forward to this journey with CSO!
Response from the owner:Hi Vanessa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to meet your needs and make your journey with braces a positive one. Your kind words about Kari, Ryan, and our staff mean a lot to us. We’re excited to support you every step of the way!
Alyssa C.
My kids and I had a great experience! The staff was informative, the new technology was impressive, and the pricing was very reasonable. We were in and out quickly with a same-day consultation, and they were able to start the services my son needed right away. Plus, the fun arcade games kept the kids entertained while we waited. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Alyssa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids enjoyed your visit and found our staff informative and our technology impressive. It's great to know that the quick service and entertainment options made your time with us enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back!
Jen K.
They are always encouraging and give her such positive feedback each time my daughter scans for her invisaline. Every step of the process has been excellent
Response from the owner:Hi Jen. Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that your daughter is receiving such positive encouragement throughout her Invisalign journey. We’re dedicated to making every step a great one, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the good work!
Susn J.
The best Orthodontist office you’ll ever find. Everyone goes above and beyond to help! Can’t imagine going anywhere else! The kids love going!
Response from the owner:Hi Susan. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids have such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care!
Rachel D.
We went in for a consultation after a horrible consultation with another orthodontist and let me say Dr. Craig and her staff are absolutely AMAZING!! My daughter was super hesitant after the previous encounter with the other orthodontist but the staff here at Craig and Streight are top notch! They immediately eased my daughter's mind with their kindness! Went in for a consultation walked out with braces and a great office to take care of her dental needs! Thank you!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Rachel. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Craig and our team were able to provide such a positive and reassuring environment for your daughter. It's wonderful to know that we could help ease her concerns and support her dental journey. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to care for your family's needs!
kammy B.
Very kind very observant always asking and answering questions best dentist visit I’ve had by far
Response from the owner:Hi Kammy. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made your visit so positive and engaging.
Jennifer M.
I’m on the Invisalign journey and 11 weeks in. The staff has been great on keeping me informed about my treatment. No matter your treatment plan - you can’t go wrong with this amazing team!
Response from the owner:Hi Jennifer. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team has been supportive and informative during your Invisalign journey. Your positive feedback motivates us to continue providing exceptional care. If you have any further thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out!
Jaycie J.
Dr.Craig did me and my sister braces many many moons ago (over 10+) and here I am now with my child getting his done by her. Her staff makes him feel comfortable and is always so professional. We love it here.
Response from the owner:Hi Jaycie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It’s heartwarming to see families returning for care over the years. We’re delighted to hear that Dr. Craig and the team continue to provide a comfortable and professional environment for you and your child. Your trust in us means a lot, and we look forward to creating more beautiful smiles together!
Kristi B.
I can’t say enough great things about my experience! From the moment I called to schedule, I felt welcomed and at ease. The staff is incredibly friendly, professional, and efficient — you can tell they genuinely care about their patients.

Dr. Craig took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all my questions, and made me feel totally comfortable throughout the consultation. The entire team’s attention to detail and commitment to providing top-notch care is truly impressive.

The office itself is modern, clean, and equipped with the latest technology, which made everything from x-rays to treatment planning seamless and quick. I was extremely impressed at how smooth the entire experience was.

If you're looking for an orthodontist who combines expertise, kindness, and a passion for creating beautiful smiles, look no further. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Kristi. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It’s heartening to hear that our team made you feel welcomed and comfortable from the very start. We take great pride in our commitment to patient care and are thrilled that you found our office modern and efficient. Your kind words about Dr. Craig and the staff truly inspire us to continue providing exceptional service. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again!
Mindy H.
Each visit we experienced happy, efficient staff that took care of our boy!
Response from the owner:Hi Mindy. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made each visit enjoyable and efficient for you and your son. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing excellent care.
Michael G.
They done a good job on helping my son get his teeth straight he got them off and they look pretty good
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your son’s teeth look great after his treatment. We appreciate your support!
Jason
Overall experience was great. Everyone was welcoming and professional. We left the office very satisfied with the services we received.
Response from the owner:Hi Jason. Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience and felt welcomed by our team. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your feedback!
Joe A.
Your people have done an exceptional job with my daughter and her braces. She just had them taken off and we couldn’t be happier.
Response from the owner:Hey Joe. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter is happy with her braces and the care she received. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service, and it's rewarding to know we made a positive impact. We appreciate your support!

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Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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Norman, OK 73069

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