What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that concentrates on the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Treatment makes the best of your natural teeth and normally takes between 12 and 24 months to complete. Once your teeth and jaws are better aligned you will be able to smile with confidence – for life.
Orthodontist vs dentist
An orthodontist has embarked on further training beyond an initial dental degree. This training is at a postgraduate level in the specialist field of orthodontics and takes between two and three years.
The table below outlines the key differences between an orthodontist and a dentist, and how each dental professional contributes to the health of your teeth.
Guy Atherton
BDS FDSRCPS(GLASG) MORTHRCS(EDIN) MSC(MANC) GSC REG: 57016
I grew up in Halifax and studied dentistry at Bristol University. After qualifying, I worked in London as a dentist in practice and in the hospital dental service before deciding to see something of the world and leaving for Australia in 1989.
Guy Atherton
BDS FDSRCPS(GLASG) MORTHRCS(EDIN) MSC(MANC) GSC REG: 57016
I grew up in Halifax and studied dentistry at Bristol University. After qualifying, I worked in London as a dentist in practice and in the hospital dental service before deciding to see something of the world and leaving for Australia in 1989.
Guy Atherton
BDS FDSRCPS(GLASG) MORTHRCS(EDIN) MSC(MANC) GSC REG: 57016
I grew up in Halifax and studied dentistry at Bristol University. After qualifying, I worked in London as a dentist in practice and in the hospital dental service before deciding to see something of the world and leaving for Australia in 1989.
Janine Sunderland
Dental Nurse
I started dental nursing at the tender age of 16, took a break from it to work in newspaper promotion and have a family and returned to it when my children started school.
Guy Atherton
BDS FDSRCPS(GLASG) MORTHRCS(EDIN) MSC(MANC) GSC REG: 57016
I grew up in Halifax and studied dentistry at Bristol University. After qualifying, I worked in London as a dentist in practice and in the hospital dental service before deciding to see something of the world and leaving for Australia in 1989.
Janine Sunderland
Dental Nurse
I started dental nursing at the tender age of 16, took a break from it to work in newspaper promotion and have a family and returned to it when my children started school.
Sarah
Age: 31
Treatment: Invisalign
Sarah
Age: 31
Treatment: Invisalign
| Orthodontist | Dentist | |
| Qualifications & Memberships | ||
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years) | ||
| Master of Orthodontics (MOrth) (3 years) | ||
| General Dental Council Registered Specialist in Orthodontics | ||
| Membership of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. Australian Society of Orthodontists | ||
| Treatments & Services | ||
| 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 | |
| Experience & training | ||
| Is specifically trained 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 who are demonstrate further commitment to promoting invisible orthodontic treatment. | |
Source: The Invisible Orthodontist
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