Periodontist vs Orthodontist - Who Should Consult First?
Lucky for us all, there are several different types of dentists that undergo extensive training to be able to address and treat specific dental issues that we may face. The American Dental Association (ADA) currently recognizes 12 dental specialties, including dental anesthesiology, dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, orofacial pain, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics.
Wondering which physician specializes in the treatment of gums? That would be a periodontist. Surprisingly, approximately 47% of adults 30 years old and older have some form of periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Another popular dental specialist is an orthodontist, who specializes in correcting malocclusions (bad bites) with appliances such as braces and clear aligners. According to research, approximately 4 million Americans are in braces.
It’s essential to understand the specific roles of dental specialists and the benefits of integrated dental care. In this article we will discuss all you need to know about a periodontist vs orthodontist.
Understanding Periodontists and Orthodontists
Understanding the responsibilities of dental specialists who are involved in the care of your oral health is important. This knowledge can help you better understand your dental treatment plan so that you can make informed treatment decisions. There are major differences between periodontists and orthodontists regarding their areas of expertise and treatments. Both dental specialists commonly collaborate to deliver optimal care.
What Does a Periodontist Specialize In?
Periodontic treatment focuses on:
- Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the gums, jawbone, and teeth-supporting oral tissues.
- Non-surgical and surgical services to improve dental health and esthetics.
- Gingivitis and periodontal disease management
- Dental implants
- Scale and root planing (deep cleaning)
- Gum graft and tissue surgery
- Bone graft and surgery
- Ridge augmentation
- Laser treatments
- Dental Crown Lengthening
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist, or orthopedic dentist, focuses on:
- Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of teeth and jaw misalignment/malocclusion (i.e. teeth crowding, spacing, crossbites, open bites, deep bites, etc).
- Non-surgical and surgical services to improve dental health and esthetics.
- Braces (i.e. ceramic, metal, lingual)
- Removable orthodontic appliances (i.e. retainers, functional appliances, headgear)
- Clear aligners (i.e. Invisalign)
- Palatal expanders
- Orthognathic surgery cases
- Facial growth and dental development
Key Differences Between Periodontists and Orthodontists
| Aspect | Periodontist | Orthodontist |
| Specialization | Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the gums, jawbone, and teeth-supporting oral tissues. | Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of teeth and jaw misalignment/malocclusion. |
| Training | 3-year certificate program/Masters in Dental Science | 2 to 3-year certificate program/Masters in Dental Science |
| Common Procedures |
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| Focus Area | Supporting structures of the teeth, including gums and jawbone | Teeth, jaws, and facial structures |
Importance of Integrated Dental Care
Integrated dental care helps provide you with comprehensive treatment for optimal oral and overall health. Orthodontists and periodontists often collaborate to help treat aesthetic and functional dental issues. Orthodontics and periodontics go hand-in-hand as orthodontic tooth movement relies on a healthy periodontium.
Collaborative Treatment
A periodontist vs general dentist vs orthodontist are all intricately linked. Collaboration amongst dentists and dental specialists, like a periodontist and orthodontist, can help enhance patient care and treatment outcomes. Medical errors are less likely to occur when there is an integrated team of dentists working together. Integrated care also allows individuals to make informed treatment choices and be at the center of their care.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is the best way to avoid extra trips to dental specialists. Maintaining good oral hygiene and your regular dental check-ups is essential to protecting your smile from harm. This includes regular brushing and flossing, eating healthy, and avoiding harmful oral habits like smoking, thumb-sucking, chewing on ice, using your teeth as tools, and brushing too hard. At your regular dental check-ups your dentist can detect oral issues and recommend optimal treatment before things worsen.
Quick Note From Great Lakes
As you can see, there are many differences between a periodontist vs orthodontist. The benefits of a collaborative care approach with these dental specialists are plentiful. Their unique training and expertise can help improve your oral health and dental treatment satisfaction. Speak with your dentist to determine if a dental specialist can assist you with your smile goals and oral care.
