If you are looking into orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, you may find yourself wondering: what is actually the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist? And does it matter which one you see? The answer is yes — it matters quite a bit — and understanding the distinction helps you make a more informed decision about your care.
What a General Dentist Does
A general dentist provides comprehensive dental care focused on the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth. Their scope of practice includes cleanings and exams, fillings and restorations, tooth extractions, root canals, crowns and bridges, dentures, and general preventive care. Most people see their general dentist twice a year for routine checkups.
General dentists typically receive four years of dental school training after completing an undergraduate degree. Many are excellent at what they do, and some offer limited orthodontic services — particularly aligners marketed through general dental practices. However, orthodontics is not their primary focus.
What an Orthodontist Does
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed dental school and then gone on to complete an additional two to three years of full-time postgraduate residency training in orthodontics. This advanced training focuses exclusively on diagnosing and treating irregularities of the teeth, jaws, and bite — including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and skeletal jaw discrepancies.
After completing their residency, orthodontists dedicate their entire practice to this specialty. They see orthodontic cases every single day and develop a depth of diagnostic skill and treatment expertise that comes only from that focused, sustained experience.
Dr. Pradipta Mazumder at MBraces completed his postgraduate orthodontic residency training at Roseman University of Health Sciences and is a board-eligible orthodontist. He is also a Certified Invisalign Preferred Provider and an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists.
Why Does This Distinction Matter?
The distinction matters most when the complexity of your case requires it. For mild or simple spacing concerns, a general dentist offering basic aligner treatment may produce acceptable results. But for moderate to complex cases — which represent the majority of patients seeking orthodontic care — the diagnostic depth and treatment planning expertise of a trained orthodontic specialist is genuinely important.
Complex cases involve bite correction, jaw alignment issues, tooth extractions as part of treatment planning, significant tooth movement sequences, and the coordination of various appliances. These require the kind of training that only an orthodontic residency provides. An improperly planned treatment can produce a cosmetically improved smile while leaving underlying bite problems unaddressed, which can lead to long-term dental health issues.
Should I See My Dentist or an Orthodontist First?
For your routine dental health — cleanings, fillings, general checkups — your general dentist is the right provider. For anything related to the alignment of your teeth or the fit of your bite, an orthodontist is the specialist to see.
The good news is that you do not need a referral to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. You can contact MBraces directly to schedule a free consultation at any of our offices in Bristol, Rocky Hill, or Waterbury. Dr. Mazumder will evaluate your bite and teeth, discuss your options, and coordinate with your general dentist as needed throughout treatment.
Working Together: Orthodontist and Dentist as a Team
Orthodontic treatment works best when your orthodontist and general dentist are working in concert. During orthodontic treatment, it is especially important to continue your regular dental checkups and cleanings — braces make teeth harder to clean, and regular professional cleaning helps prevent cavities and gum problems during treatment.
If restorative work is needed — such as a filling or crown — it should be completed in coordination with your orthodontic treatment plan, since the position of teeth may need to be accounted for. Dr. Mazumder is experienced at collaborating with general dentists and specialists to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care for every patient.
Schedule Your Free Evaluation With Dr. Mazumder
Ready to find out what a specialist orthodontist can do for your smile? Contact MBraces for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call Bristol at (860) 589-3316, Rocky Hill at (860) 563-6563, or Waterbury at (203) 754-7822, or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my general dentist provide Invisalign treatment?
Some general dentists are certified to provide Invisalign treatment. For simple cases with mild concerns, this may produce adequate results. For moderate or complex cases, an orthodontic specialist has significantly deeper training in treatment planning, especially for cases involving bite correction alongside alignment. Dr. Mazumder is an Invisalign Certified Preferred Provider with full specialist training.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
No. You can schedule a free orthodontic evaluation at MBraces directly — no referral is required. Many patients contact us on their own initiative after noticing a concern with their teeth or their child’s development.
Should I keep seeing my regular dentist while I have braces?
Absolutely. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are especially important during orthodontic treatment. Braces create more areas where plaque can accumulate, and professional cleaning helps prevent cavities and gum disease throughout treatment.
What is the American Association of Orthodontists?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the professional association for orthodontic specialists in the United States and Canada. Membership requires completing a recognized orthodontic residency. Dr. Mazumder is an active AAO member, reflecting his commitment to the highest professional standards in orthodontic care.
Can an orthodontist also do routine dental work?
Orthodontists are trained dentists — but by choosing to specialize, they focus exclusively on orthodontic treatment. Routine dental work such as fillings, cleanings, and crowns would be performed by your general dentist. Dr. Mazumder coordinates with general dentists and other specialists when patients need comprehensive dental care alongside orthodontic treatment.