Dentists and orthodontists both begin with the same foundation in dental school, but their paths diverge when it comes to specialization. Dentists are trained to manage a wide range of oral health needs, from preventive care and restorations to cosmetic treatments and some orthodontics, while orthodontists complete additional years of residency focused exclusively on tooth and jaw alignment. The main difference comes down to scope: dentists provide comprehensive general care, while orthodontists concentrate on correcting bites and guiding tooth movement. The right doctor for your orthodontic treatment often depends on the complexity of your case and the provider’s experience.
At Dental Depot of Oklahoma, you’ll find expert orthodontic care backed by a diverse team of orthodontists and dentists with advanced orthodontic training. As a Diamond Provider of Invisalign, we offer proven expertise in clear aligners as well as traditional braces, supported by advanced tools like the iTero Element scanner and the option for virtual consultations. With multiple convenient locations, Saturday appointments at select offices, and flexible financing, our experienced team makes it easy to achieve a healthy, confident smile from providers you already trust.
Dentists and orthodontists follow rigorous educational and credentialing paths that prepare them to deliver expert oral healthcare. While both professions build upon the same foundational training, one deepens their knowledge broadly across dentistry, and the other pursues specialist credentials reflecting focused expertise. This distinction helps clarify their complementary roles within dental care.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, both dentists and orthodontists play essential roles in providing expert care. While their training and focus may differ, each brings specialized knowledge that helps patients achieve long-term oral health. Understanding the distinction between the two can make it easier to know which provider is right for your unique needs.
Dentists are your primary oral health providers. They:
Orthodontists are specialists who focus on how the teeth and jaws line up. They:
There’s a shared zone of care where both dentists and orthodontists treat similar issues. Clear aligners and some braces can be managed very well by trained general dentists. The deciding factor is less about the doctor’s title and more about the provider’s experience with cases like yours.
Both dentists and orthodontists play important roles in keeping your smile healthy and confident, but their focus and expertise are different. Understanding how their care complements one another makes it easier to choose the right provider for your needs.
Start with a dentist for:
See an orthodontist (or a dentist with strong orthodontic experience) for:
Not sure what you need? A dentist can evaluate your teeth and gums first, then either treat your case with clear aligners or refer you to an orthodontist if your needs are more complex.
Many dentists pursue advanced education in orthodontics, giving them the knowledge and skills to provide effective treatment alongside their broader dental care. With the right training, dentists are fully capable of delivering safe, predictable outcomes that improve both function and appearance.
However, as with any specialized treatment, it’s important to make sure your provider has the appropriate background and experience. Choosing a dentist with proven orthodontic expertise ensures your care is both safe and successful.
Both general dentists—when equipped with specialized orthodontic training—and orthodontists are capable of prescribing and managing both clear aligners and braces. The most critical factor for safe, successful treatment, however, is not who provides it, but whether the diagnosis is precise and the treatment plan thoroughly tailored to your needs. A provider who accurately assesses your bite, skeletal structure, and dental alignment ensures that the chosen treatment—regardless of type—delivers safe, effective results.
Clear aligners (like Invisalign). These are a series of removable clear plastic trays to guide teeth into place. Treatment success depends on accurate digital planning, the use of attachments when needed, and consistent check-ins. Orthodontists and specially trained dentists both can provide aligners. While they are highly effective for mild to moderate cases, their predictability decreases with more complex tooth movements or bite issues
Braces. Traditional brackets and wires are better for certain tooth movements and complex bite changes. Orthodontists typically handle more involved braces cases, though many trained dentists can also place braces when appropriate.
The “right” combination—whether aligners or braces, dentist or orthodontist—starts with an accurate diagnosis and a custom-designed treatment plan. Both orthodontists and dentists with qualified orthodontic training can provide excellent, safe, and effective outcomes when the approach is rooted in careful evaluation and individualized strategy. Focus on the quality of diagnosis and planning and expect clear communication about treatment duration, required aids (like attachments or elastics), and how refinements will be handled to ensure you’re on the path to a confident, healthy smile.
When you’re trying to pick a provider for your orthodontic treatment, it’s hard to know who to go with. The best advice is to ask questions, and lots of them; a confident, competent provider will welcome them and have clearly defined answers.
Consider practical needs too, such as location, office hours, insurance, and financing options. Look for red flags such as cookie-cutter plans, limited diagnostics, or vague follow-up schedules.
When you choose Dental Depot of Oklahoma for orthodontic treatment, you’re choosing a team that combines experience, convenience, and compassionate care all under one roof. Every evaluation is designed to be informative and stress-free, with digital scans, photos, and X-rays taken right in our office. From there, your provider will walk you through what they see, what options are available, and how we can tailor treatment to fit your goals, timeline, and comfort.
At Dental Depot of Oklahoma, you’ll find comprehensive care from the same familiar provider you already trust for your dental health. Our diverse team includes orthodontists and general dentists with advanced orthodontic training, so you can receive aligners or braces from experts who understand your full oral health history. As a Diamond Provider of Invisalign, we offer some of the highest-level aligner expertise available, supported by advanced technology like the iTero Element scanner and even online virtual consultations for added convenience. With multiple locations across Oklahoma—including Saturday appointments at select offices—you’ll never have to travel far or rearrange your life for quality care. And with commonsense pricing, orthodontic financing, and help navigating insurance, we make it easier to get the confident, healthy smile you deserve without breaking your budget.
Get started on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile and schedule a no-obligation orthodontic consultation today with Dental Depot of Oklahoma.