Orthodontist vs. General Dentist: What’s the Difference?

Wondering about the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist? While both professionals play an important role in maintaining a healthy smile, they have different areas of expertise and training.

A general dentist focuses on your overall oral health, including your teeth, gums, and preventive dental care.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who receives additional training specifically focused on tooth movement, bite correction, and jaw alignment.

If you're searching for a Pittsburgh orthodontist, considering braces or Invisalign®, or wondering whether you or your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment, understanding the difference between these two providers can help you make an informed decision.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, we've provided specialized orthodontic care to patients throughout the Pittsburgh area for more than 30 years. Our experienced team combines years of orthodontic experience with personalized treatment and the expertise of our board-certified orthodontist.

What Does a General Dentist Do?

A general dentist provides comprehensive care focused primarily on maintaining the health of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.

General dentists commonly provide routine examinations, cleanings, cavity treatment, gum care, fillings, crowns, and other preventive and restorative dental services.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the alignment of the teeth, bite, and jaws.

Orthodontists diagnose and treat orthodontic concerns such as:

• Crowded teeth

• Crooked teeth

• Gaps and spacing

• Overbites

• Underbites

• Crossbites

• Open bites

• Protruding teeth

• Improper bite alignment

• Certain jaw alignment concerns

The goal of orthodontic treatment isn't simply to make teeth look straighter. Orthodontists also focus on how the upper and lower teeth fit together and function as a bite.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontist has specialized training and experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of orthodontic concerns—from mild crowding and spacing to more complex bite discrepancies.

How Much Additional Training Does an Orthodontist Receive?

Both general dentists and orthodontists begin with dental school.

However, orthodontists complete additional specialized education after dental school. After earning their dental degree, orthodontists complete an additional three-year specialty residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

During this specialized training, orthodontists study:

• Tooth movement

• Bite development

• Jaw growth and development

• Facial growth and balance

• Orthodontic diagnosis

• Treatment planning

• Braces

• Clear aligners

• Complex bite correction

This additional training allows orthodontists to focus their careers specifically on straightening teeth and correcting bite and alignment problems.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, that specialized education is complemented by more than 30 years of orthodontic experience, giving our team extensive experience treating patients at different stages of dental and jaw development.

Orthodontists Specialize in Bite Correction

A key part of orthodontic care is the diagnosis and correction of bite problems. Orthodontists receive specialized training to evaluate how the teeth and jaws come together and to develop treatment plans that improve both bite function and tooth alignment.

Your bite describes how your upper and lower teeth come together when your mouth is closed. When the teeth don't fit together properly, you may have an orthodontic bite problem such as:

Overbite: An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than they should.

Underbite: An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend in front of the upper teeth when you bite down.

Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them.

Open Bite: An open bite occurs when certain upper and lower teeth do not come together when the mouth is closed.

These bite problems can affect more than appearance. Depending on the individual, an improperly aligned bite may contribute to difficulty chewing, uneven tooth wear, or other functional concerns.

Because bite correction is a core part of orthodontic training, orthodontists are uniquely qualified to evaluate these relationships and develop appropriate treatment plans.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontist carefully evaluates each patient's bite and tooth alignment to develop a treatment approach based on their individual needs.

Why Is Bite Alignment Important?

Straight teeth are only one part of a healthy, functional smile. Orthodontic treatment also considers how the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures work together.

Proper bite alignment can help:

• Improve chewing function

• Create more even contact between teeth

• Reduce uneven tooth wear

• Make brushing and flossing easier when crowding is corrected

• Support long-term smile stability

• Improve overall tooth alignment and function

  
  

This is why orthodontic treatment should be about more than simply creating a straight smile.

With decades of experience in Pittsburgh orthodontics, Cyterski Orthodontics takes a comprehensive approach to treatment, considering both the appearance and function of each patient's smile.

When Should You See an Orthodontist?

You may want to schedule an orthodontic consultation if you notice:

Your Teeth Are Crowded.

Crowded teeth can make it more difficult to properly brush and floss between teeth.

You Have Gaps Between Your Teeth.

Unwanted spacing can sometimes be corrected with orthodontic treatment.

Your Bite Doesn't Feel Right.

If your upper and lower teeth don't seem to fit together properly, an orthodontist can evaluate your bite.

You Have an Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, or Open Bite

These are common orthodontic concerns that may benefit from professional evaluation and treatment.

Your Teeth Have Shifted

Teeth can move over time, even after previous orthodontic treatment.

You Have Difficulty Chewing

Difficulty or discomfort when chewing may sometimes be associated with an improperly aligned bite.

Your Child's Teeth or Jaw Are Developing Differently

An orthodontist can monitor dental and jaw development and determine whether early orthodontic treatment may be appropriate.

If you're unsure whether you or your child needs orthodontic treatment, Cyterski Orthodontics offers consultations to evaluate your smile, bite, and orthodontic needs.

When Should a Child See an Orthodontist?

Parents often wonder when their child should first see an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.

An early evaluation does not necessarily mean that a child will need braces right away.

Instead, an orthodontist can evaluate tooth and jaw development and determine whether treatment is recommended immediately, later as development continues, or not at all.

Early orthodontic evaluations can be particularly helpful when children have concerns such as significant crowding, an underbite, crossbite, protruding teeth, or unusual tooth eruption.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, our experienced team works with children, teens, and families to monitor orthodontic development and determine the appropriate timing for treatment.

Can Adults See an Orthodontist?

Absolutely.

Orthodontic treatment is not just for children and teenagers. Many adults choose orthodontic treatment to improve the alignment, function, and appearance of their smiles.

Adults may seek treatment for:

• Crowded teeth

• Spacing

• Overbites

• Underbites

• Crossbites

• Teeth that have shifted

• Relapse after previous braces

• Cosmetic concerns

• Functional bite concerns

Adults can often choose between traditional braces and Invisalign® clear aligners, depending on their individual orthodontic needs.

If you're considering Invisalign in Pittsburgh, Cyterski Orthodontics can evaluate your smile and help determine whether clear aligners are an appropriate option.

Braces vs. Invisalign®: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Both braces and Invisalign® can be effective orthodontic treatments, but the best option depends on your individual teeth, bite, treatment goals, and lifestyle.

Traditional Braces

Braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. They can treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including many complex bite and alignment problems.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to gradually move the teeth. Invisalign can be an excellent option for many teens and adults who want a more discreet orthodontic treatment.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontist evaluates each patient's individual smile and bite before recommending braces, Invisalign®, or another treatment approach.

Why Choose an Orthodontist for Specialized Care?

Choosing an orthodontist means choosing a dental specialist whose additional education and training is dedicated specifically to tooth movement, bite correction, and jaw alignment.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, our doctor has earned board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics, demonstrating an additional commitment to clinical knowledge, continuing education, and excellence in orthodontic care.

Combined with our practice's more than 30 years of orthodontic experience, this specialized expertise allows us to provide comprehensive treatment for children, teens, and adults.

We believe every smile deserves individualized attention. That's why we take a personalized approach to orthodontic treatment, carefully monitoring progress throughout treatment and focusing on both the appearance and function of your smile.

Experienced Orthodontic Care in Pittsburgh

If you're searching for a Pittsburgh orthodontist, Pittsburgh braces, Pittsburgh Invisalign, or trusted Pittsburgh orthodontics, Cyterski Orthodontics is here to help.

For more than 30 years, we've been proud to serve patients throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities with experienced, personalized orthodontic care.

Our offices in Allison Park and Pleasant Hills make it convenient for families throughout the North Hills and South Hills to access specialized orthodontic treatment.

Whether you're considering braces for your child, Invisalign® for yourself, or simply want to learn whether orthodontic treatment is right for you, our team is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

A general dentist focuses on overall oral health, while an orthodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating tooth alignment, bite problems, and jaw-related orthodontic concerns.

Do I need a referral from my dentist to see an orthodontist?

In many cases, you can schedule an orthodontic consultation directly. Your dentist may also recommend an orthodontic evaluation if they notice a concern with tooth alignment or bite development.

Can adults see an orthodontist?

Yes. Adults of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment when appropriate. Treatment options may include traditional braces or Invisalign® clear aligners.

Choose Experienced, Board-Certified Orthodontic Care in Pittsburgh

Understanding the difference between a general dentist and an orthodontist can help you choose the right provider for your individual needs.

Your general dentist plays an essential role in maintaining your teeth and gums, while an orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth, correcting bites, and improving tooth and jaw alignment.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, we're proud to combine more than 30 years of orthodontic experience with personalized treatment and the expertise of our board-certified orthodontist.

Whether you're interested in Pittsburgh braces, Invisalign in Pittsburgh, or comprehensive orthodontic care, we're here to help you take the next step toward a healthy, confident smile.

Ready to get started? Book your free consultation on our website today or call either of our office locations!

Our Locations

📍 Allison Park Office

4485 William Flinn Highway

Allison Park, PA 15101

📞 (412) 492-8700

📍 Pleasant Hills Office

67 Old Clairton Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15236

📞 (412) 655-8200

Proudly Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area

North Hills: Allison Park, Fox Chapel, Hampton Township, McCandless, Glenshaw, Ross Township, Shaler, Wexford, Gibsonia

South Hills: Pleasant Hills, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Whitehall, Baldwin, Brentwood, South Park, Jefferson Hills, Castle Shannon, Dormont

Central & Surrounding Areas: Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, East Liberty, Greenfield, Oakland, Regent Square, Penn Hills, Point Breeze, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, and more.