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Dentist or Orthodontist? What’s the Difference?

Home » Blog » Dentist or Orthodontist? What’s the Difference?

Castilla Orthodontics
August 1, 2016

Dr. Ana Castilla of Castilla Orthodontics near Dallas, OR has some tips to help patients to distinguish between a dentist and an orthodontist. The difference between an orthodontist and a dentist may be indistinguishable to some people. Something that many folks don’t know is that all orthodontists can be dentists, but not all dentists can be orthodontists. They are both certified oral health care professionals, both treat and maintain the health of your teeth and gums, and both have the education and experience to be called doctors. In these areas, they are pretty comparable. However, there are more differences than similarities.

What’s the difference?

All orthodontists require further schooling and more experience in their specialty (orthodontics) beyond their dental school training. A similar example would be if a medical doctor elects to take special training to become a surgeon. So, if a dentist has a patient with a dental malocclusion, they will refer them to an orthodontist for treatment.

What services do they provide?

Dentists typically deal problems like:

  • Gum Disease
  • Tooth Decay
  • Root Canals
  • Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Veneers
  • Tooth Whitening

An orthodontist is a dentist that specializes in the alignment of your teeth, and their services typically are employed to correct:

  • Underbite
  • Overbite
  • Crowded teeth
  • Misaligned teeth

Traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and other corrective treatments are methods an orthodontist might use to treat these issues.

What Kind of Care Do You Need?

Orthodontists help with crooked teeth, underbites and overbites, crossbites, spaces between teeth, overcrowded teeth, and the effective treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. An orthodontist should be consulted for other jaw issues as well. While your dentist may be qualified to offer their patients fillings, TMJ treatments, and other orthodontic care, putting your smile in the hands of a qualified professional orthodontist can help a patient to experience better treatment outcomes.

Any Questions?

Dr. Ana Castilla and the team at Castilla Orthodontics can help answer any questions you might have about orthodontics near Dallas, OR. If you still have questions about the differences between dentistry and orthodontics, or to schedule an appointment, call: 503.399.0721

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Your initial appointment is free and provides Dr. Castilla an opportunity to evaluate your needs and address any concerns you have about your smile. Schedule your free consultation and start your smile journey today!

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Hear what our patients are saying about their experience with us!

Estefania C.
I just wanted to share how great our experience has been at Castilla Orthodontics. My daughter goes there for her braces, and everything has gone so smoothly. The staff is always kind and professional, and I really appreciate how welcoming they are. I especially want to mention Kate—she was so nice and took the time to answer some of the questions I had, even though she wasn’t the one directly seeing my daughter. That kind of care and attention really stands out. Highly recommend Castilla Orthodontics!I’m
Mirna Q.
El lugar está muy agradable limpio y el personal es muy atento excelente servicio.
Roberto J.
Very nice to go in and be greeted properly when you are sat down and they are ready to work with you
Candida R.
Me gusto mucho el personal es muy amble me trataron muy bien
Invicto S.
Really great service I recommend for anyone
Really great and professional service
I’m so happy
Zaida M.
O really Like how they are with people, they are kind, and the Music is cool
Yensi A.
Muy contesta con mis avances y muy serviceable todo el personal que me a atendido son muy amables recomiedo está clínica castillas
Stephanie
Friendly people all around! And friendly environment
Elena R.
Un muy buena experiencia, un trato muy amable y atento. Gracias.
DELINA C.
Kate is awesome, I love how professional and talented she is with her work
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We proudly offer affordable orthodontic treatment to patients from Salem, Dallas, Keizer, Monmoth, Mt. Angel, Silverton, Stayton, Sublimity, Woodburn, and the surrounding areas of Marion County.

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  • 434 Lancaster Drive NE
    Salem, OR 97301

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Office Hours

Monday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

ADDRESS

  • 434 Lancaster Drive NE
    Salem, OR 97301

CALL OR TEXT

  • (503) 399-0721

Office Hours

Monday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Salem

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