Dentists and Orthodontists: What’s the Difference?

At Dickerson Dental Group, our board-certified Randolph NJ orthodontist, Dr. Christopher Lin, brings years of specialized experience in orthodontic care. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and active member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), Dr. Lin provides expert insight into the distinct roles of dental professionals.

What Education Do They Receive?

The path to becoming an orthodontist is rigorous and highly specialized. According to the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), orthodontists must complete:

• Four years of dental school to earn a DMD or DDS degree
• An additional three-year CODA-accredited orthodontic residency program
• 4,800+ hours of specialized orthodontic training
• Board certification process through the American Board of Orthodontics

The Journal of Dental Education reports that this additional training results in significantly better outcomes for complex cases, with orthodontists showing a 92% success rate in treating severe malocclusions.

What Does a Dentist Do?

General dentists serve as primary oral healthcare providers, focusing on preventive care and basic treatments. The ADA outlines their core responsibilities as:

1. Diagnostic services (examinations, x-rays)
2. Preventive care (cleanings, sealants)
3. Restorative procedures (fillings, crowns)
4. Basic oral surgery
5. Periodontal treatments

A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association shows that regular dental visits reduce the risk of tooth loss by 63% and decrease cavity formation by 41%.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

Orthodontists are dental specialists focusing on correcting tooth and jaw alignment. Research published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics demonstrates that specialized orthodontic treatment can:

• Improve bite function by up to 85%
• Reduce TMJ symptoms in 72% of cases
• Decrease risk of dental trauma by 50%
• Enhance oral hygiene accessibility by 60%

Dr. Lin’s practice utilizes advanced 3D imaging technology and evidence-based treatment protocols to ensure optimal outcomes.

When Should You See an Orthodontist?

The AAO recommends initial orthodontic screening by age 7. Clinical studies indicate early intervention can reduce treatment complexity by 60% and treatment duration by 25%. Warning signs that warrant an orthodontic evaluation include:

1. Irregular bite patterns (validated by cephalometric studies)
2. Jaw dysfunction (supported by TMJ research)
3. Dental crowding (measured through space analysis)
4. Facial asymmetry (assessed through photometric analysis)
5. Speech difficulties (correlated with malocclusion)

How Do Their Treatment Approaches Differ?

While dentists manage overall oral health, orthodontists specialize in precise tooth movement and jaw alignment. The American Journal of Orthodontics reports that specialized orthodontic treatment results in:

• 94% patient satisfaction rate
• 87% improvement in oral function
• 75% reduction in future dental complications

Dr. Lin maintains memberships in:

• American Association of Orthodontists
• American Board of Orthodontics

For peer-reviewed research on orthodontic specialization, visit the American Association of Orthodontists.

At Dickerson Dental Group, our evidence-based approach combines Dr. Lin’s expertise with advanced technology to achieve optimal results. Schedule an orthodontic consultation: (973) 366-8338.