How Orthodontists Differ from General Dentists

All Orthodontist are qualified dentists, but only 2.5% of dentists are an Orthodontist in New Zealand.

 

What Do Dentists Do?

Dentists are experts at good oral health. They are like your family GP. They will typically provide the following:

  • Spot and treat cavities

  • Treat mild gum disease and oral hygiene problems

  • Improve cracked and misshapen teeth (crowns, veneers etc)

  • Root canals

  • Cosmetic work (veneers, whitening etc.)

  • Replacing missing teeth (implants and plates)

What Do Orthodontists Do?

Orthodontists are specialists who focus on your bite and alignment of your teeth. Their job is to make sure that not only do you have a great smile but your bite feels good and functions properly. They do it all day, every day.

They diagnoses and treats the following problems:

  • Crooked teeth

  • Missing permanent teeth

  • Bite problems such as an overbite, underbite and cross bite

  • Gap teeth

  • Issues with the growth and development of the baby and adult teeth

  • Misalignment of the jaw, including cases that need surgery

  • Early intervention treatment for younger patients

Education and Training

Dentists and orthodontists start with the same foundational training, completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), which includes university study in health sciences and dental school. After graduation, a dentist may choose to practise general dentistry or pursue further specialist training.

Orthodontists are dentists who complete additional specialist training in orthodontics, typically around three years of advanced university study focused on jaw development, tooth movement, facial growth, and orthodontic treatment mechanics. This specialist qualification is required for registration as an orthodontist with dental regulators and allows them to focus exclusively on aligning teeth and correcting bite issues.

 
Book Orthodontic consult
 

Invest In Your Smile With Confidence

It can be tempting to choose the cheapest option, but with braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic treatment, you often get what you pay for. Choosing based on price alone can be risky, as expertise and attention to detail play a major role in your results.

While a general dentist may offer lower-cost treatment, results may not have the same level of precision or long-term planning as care from an orthodontist, including a comprehensive retention plan to maintain your smile. That’s why we make treatment accessible with flexible, interest-free payment plans, so you can invest confidently in a specialist-led smile.

 

Dentist vs Orthodontist FAQs

  • No. Dentists may offer minor cosmetic alignment with clear aligners for simple cases, but orthodontists are trained to apply precise force sequences using wires, brackets, and elastics to correct severe crowding, rotations, spacing, and bite discrepancies.

  • Dentists offer cosmetic treatments, including tooth whitening, reshaping, and veneers, which can improve your smile. Orthodontists focus on moving teeth into their proper positions to improve both appearance and function, making your smile not only straight but also stable and long-lasting.

  • No referral is needed. You can book directly with an orthodontist for an assessment.

  • A dentist is best for general oral health. If you are concerned about crooked teeth, spacing, crowding, or bite problems, an orthodontist is the right specialist to see.

  • No. Orthodontic treatment is suitable for patients of all ages, including adults. More adults are choosing clear aligners and braces to improve their smile and bite.