If you’re considering braces or clear aligners, you might be wondering whether to see a dentist or an orthodontist. While both are trained to care for your teeth, their roles and expertise are quite different.
Here’s what Canadian patients should know about how they compare.
🎓 Education & Training
- General dentist: Completes dental school and provides a wide range of care, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and basic orthodontic evaluations
- Orthodontist: Completes dental school plus 2–3 additional years of specialized training focused on straightening teeth and correcting jaw alignment
🧛 What Each One Does
Dentists:
- Handle overall oral health
- Detect early bite issues
- Refer to an orthodontist if needed
Orthodontists:
- Create personalized braces or aligner plans
- Monitor complex bite and jaw issues
- Use advanced tools to move teeth safely and efficiently
✅ When Should You See an Orthodontist?
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Concerns about facial alignment or symmetry
🛌 Collaborative Care
At McLevin Dental, our dentists and orthodontic providers work together to create a seamless experience. You don’t need to bounce between offices — we’ll coordinate everything in-house.
Need orthodontic care? Book a consultation at McLevin Dental. Whether you start with a general checkup or a full orthodontic assessment, we’ve got your smile covered from every angle.