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What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist specializes in aligning teeth and correcting bite problems. Their work not only enhances the appearance of your smile but also helps to achieve proper function of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontists diagnose and treat conditions such as:
- Overbite (vertical overlap of the front teeth)
- Overjet (protrusion of the upper front teeth)
- Crossbite (misalignment of upper and lower teeth)
- Crowded or spaced teeth
Treatment is carried out through appliances such as braces or clear aligners, which gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. Orthodontists also provide retainers after treatment to help maintain results.
What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
An oral surgeon is a dental specialist trained in performing surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and face. Their scope of care is much broader than that of an orthodontist. They are typically consulted for treatments such as:
- Wisdom tooth extractions
- Removal of impacted teeth
- Dental implants
- Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)
- Treatment of facial trauma and injuries
- Management of oral pathology (such as cysts or tumours)
While orthodontists focus on guiding teeth into position, oral surgeons intervene when surgery is needed to correct structural or functional issues in the jaw, bone, or soft tissues.
Education & Training: Orthodontist vs Oral Surgeon
Both oral surgeons and orthodontists begin their journey as dentists, completing a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. From there, their paths diverge:
- Orthodontists: After dental school, orthodontists complete a two to three-year residency focused on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Their training specializes in tooth movement, jaw growth and development, and the use of appliances such as braces and aligners.
- Oral Surgeons: Oral surgeons complete a training program typically lasting four to six years of surgical residency after dental school. Their training might include medical education, anesthesia administration, hospital-based surgery, and managing complex surgical cases involving the face, jaw, and oral cavity.
This difference in training explains why orthodontists are the preferred specialists for braces and aligners, while oral surgeons are called upon for surgical procedures.
Typical Procedures: Comparing Day-to-Day Practice
Orthodontists dedicate their days to fitting braces, fine-tuning wires, tracking aligner progress, and ensuring proper bite development. They concentrate on long-term treatment strategies, typically seeing patients every few weeks or months to oversee progress.
Oral surgeons, on the other hand, carry out surgical procedures, often in an outpatient setting. A typical day might involve wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or corrective jaw surgery. Many oral surgeons also work in hospital environments when managing trauma or more complex reconstructive cases.
When Orthodontists & Oral Surgeons Collaborate
Oral surgery combines dental and medical skills. These surgeons perform not only routine extractions but also complex reconstructive procedures following facial trauma and correcting skeletal irregularities. This wider scope distinguishes oral surgeons from orthodontists, whose primary focus remains on tooth movement and bite correction.
However, these specialists often collaborate on complex cases, particularly orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery). In these situations, the orthodontist manages tooth movement while the oral surgeon modifies the jaw structure to achieve proper bite alignment and facial harmony.
Oral surgeons often handle cases requiring hospital settings and specialized anesthesia, while orthodontists usually concentrate on long-term treatment plans with regular monitoring. Ultimately, both professions are among the most specialized and skilled areas of dentistry, each requiring years of education, dedication, and responsibility to deliver excellent patient care.
Which Specialist Do You Need?
Whether your dentist refers you to an oral surgeon or an orthodontist depends on your specific dental needs:
- If your concern involves crooked teeth, bite issues, or gaps, you will be referred to an orthodontist. They offer treatment options, including braces and Invisalign, to create a healthy, functional, and confident smile.
- If you need a tooth extraction, jaw surgery, or treatment for trauma or oral disease, your dentist will send you to an oral surgeon.
In some cases, you may work with both specialists as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. For example, orthodontists often prepare patients for jaw surgery with braces, then continue treatment after surgery to fine-tune their bite.