Do You Need an Orthodontist or a General Dentist?

Dr Tan Kok Liang
Certified Specialist in Orthodontics (Dental Braces)
BDS, MSc (Orthodontics), DOrth RCS (Edinburgh)

Most people visit a dentist regularly for check-ups, cleanings and routine dental treatment. However, when concerns such as crooked teeth, bite problems or jaw alignment arise, you may wonder whether a general dentist is enough or if you should see an orthodontist instead.

Although both professionals play important roles in maintaining your oral health, their training and areas of expertise differ. Understanding who manages which conditions can help you seek the right care sooner and improve the outcome of treatment.

What Is the Difference Between a General Dentist and an Orthodontist?

A general dentist focuses on maintaining overall oral health. After completing dental school, they diagnose and treat a wide range of common dental conditions affecting the teeth and gums.

General dentists commonly provide:

• Routine dental examinations
• Professional teeth cleaning
• Fillings and crowns
• Gum disease treatment
• Tooth extractions
• Preventive care and oral health advice

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed several additional years of specialist training in orthodontics, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention and correction of problems involving tooth alignment, jaw position and bite function.

Their training focuses on how the teeth, jaws and facial structures develop and work together. This allows them to manage more complex alignment problems that may require carefully planned tooth movement over time.

Can a General Dentist Provide Orthodontic Treatment?

Some general dentists provide orthodontic treatment for straightforward alignment concerns, particularly in mild cases using selected orthodontic systems. However, more complex cases often require specialist expertise. Significant crowding, severe bite discrepancies, jaw alignment problems or treatment involving facial growth typically benefit from assessment and management by an orthodontist, whose additional training focuses specifically on tooth movement and bite correction.

General dentists and orthodontists frequently work together as part of a patient's dental care. Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist when specialist treatment is likely to provide the most appropriate outcome, while continuing to oversee your routine dental care throughout the process.

What Conditions Does an Orthodontist Treat?

Orthodontic treatment addresses more than the appearance of your smile. Correcting the position of the teeth and jaws can improve bite function, make oral hygiene easier and promote better long-term dental health.

• Crowded or Misaligned Teeth

  When there is insufficient space within the jaw, teeth may overlap, rotate or become unevenly positioned. Crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing more difficult, increasing the risk of plaque build-up, tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment helps create better alignment, making the teeth easier to clean and maintain.

• Bite Problems

  The way your upper and lower teeth come together affects chewing, speech and jaw function. Orthodontists diagnose and manage bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite and deep bite. Correcting these issues may improve comfort, chewing efficiency and reduce uneven wear on the teeth.

• Spacing Between Teeth

  Gaps between teeth may develop because of differences in tooth size, jaw size or missing teeth. Depending on the underlying cause, orthodontic treatment may improve both the function and appearance of your smile while creating a more balanced tooth alignment.

• Teeth That Have Shifted Over Time

  Teeth can gradually move throughout life, even after previous orthodontic treatment. This may occur because retainers are no longer worn consistently, natural ageing changes or tooth loss. An orthodontist can assess whether further treatment is appropriate to restore alignment and recommend ways to help maintain the results.

What Happens During an Orthodontic Consultation?

An orthodontic consultation involves a comprehensive assessment of your teeth, jaws and bite before any treatment recommendations are made.

The appointment may include:

• Examination of tooth alignment
• Bite assessment
• Digital photographs
• Digital scans or dental impressions
• Dental X-rays where required
• Discussion of your treatment goals

Based on these findings, the orthodontist will explain whether treatment is recommended, the available options, the expected treatment duration and how each approach may suit your individual needs.

Start Your Orthodontic Journey With Dr Tan Kok Liang

Choosing the right professional starts with understanding the nature of your dental concerns. If alignment, bite or jaw development is involved, seeking an assessment from an orthodontist can provide greater clarity about your treatment options and whether intervention is appropriate.

At emBRACE Dental Surgery in Singapore, orthodontic care is provided by Dr Tan Kok Liang, who offers comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment planning for children, teenagers and adults. Whether you are exploring treatment for yourself or your child, contact the clinic to arrange a consultation and receive guidance on the most appropriate next steps.