You search “orthodontist dentist near me” because you’re confused. Some dentists offer braces. Orthodontists are specialists. What’s the actual difference? Here’s the short answer: An orthodontist dentist near me search should prioritize orthodontists for anything beyond very mild crowding. Orthodontists complete 2–3 years of specialty residency after dental school. General dentists do not. For simple cases (minor spacing or very slight crowding), an experienced general dentist may be fine. For any bite issue (overbite, underbite, crossbite), impacted teeth, or severe crowding, you need an AAO orthodontist. Cost is similar—sometimes dentists are slightly cheaper, but the risk of complications is higher.
This guide breaks down the training differences, when each is appropriate, and how to decide.
The Training Difference: 2–3 Extra Years Matter
This is the single most important factor.
General Dentist (DDS or DMD)
- Total training: 8 years (4 years college + 4 years dental school)
- Orthodontic training: Zero required. Some take weekend courses or continuing education. No formal residency.
- Scope: General oral health—fillings, crowns, cleanings, extractions. Braces are an “add-on” service.
Orthodontist (DDS or DMD + orthodontic residency)
- Total training: 10–11 years (4 college + 4 dental school + 2–3 orthodontic residency)
- Orthodontic training: 2–3 years of full-time, hospital-based residency focused entirely on tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction.
- Scope: Exclusive focus on moving teeth and correcting malocclusion (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, crowding, spacing).
Board-Certified Orthodontist (ABO diplomate)
- All of the above plus: Passed written and clinical exams through the American Board of Orthodontics. Voluntary—but the gold standard.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) position: “Orthodontists are uniquely qualified to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities. General dentists who provide orthodontic treatment have not completed this formal residency training.”
When a General Dentist Can Do Braces (The Exceptions)
Barss Smile Dentists can legally provide orthodontic treatment in all 50 states. Here’s when it might be acceptable.
Mild Cases Only
- Minor spacing: A single small gap between front teeth (diastema) with no bite issues
- Very mild crowding: One or two teeth slightly rotated, no extractions needed
- Minor relapse: A patient who previously had braces and needs a few months of touch-up treatment
The Right Dentist
- Has taken 100+ hours of orthodontic continuing education
- Uses digital scanning and treatment planning software
- Can show you 20+ before-and-after photos of similar cases
- Offers clear aligners (not just “something they bought from a catalog”)
Red Flags
- “I can do braces for half the price of an orthodontist” (probably cutting corners)
- “We don’t need X-rays” (dangerous—root position matters)
- No clear plan for managing complications (impacted teeth, failed tooth movement)
When You MUST See an Orthodontist
For these conditions, a general dentist is not qualified. See an AAO orthodontist.
Any Bite Issue (Malocclusion)
- Overbite (upper teeth cover lower teeth by more than 2–3mm)
- Underbite (lower teeth in front of upper teeth)
- Crossbite (some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth)
- Open bite (front teeth don’t touch when back teeth are together)
Complex Crowding
- Severe crowding requiring extractions (more than 5–6mm of space needed)
- Impacted canines (teeth stuck in the bone)
- Rotated or transposed teeth
Skeletal Issues
- Jaw asymmetry
- Need for palatal expander (children) or TADs (temporary anchorage devices) for adults
- Pre-surgical orthodontics (orthognathic surgery cases)
Any Child Before Age 10
The AAO recommends first orthodontic evaluation at age 7. A general dentist may miss growth-related issues like narrow palate or impacted permanent teeth. See an orthodontist.
Cost Comparison: Orthodontist vs. Dentist
Pricing varies, but here’s what to expect.
| Provider Type | Metal Braces Cost | Invisalign Cost | Pros | Cons |
| General Dentist | $3,000–$6,000 | $3,000–$7,000 | Often cheaper; convenient one-stop shop | No formal training; may miss bite issues |
| Orthodontist | $3,500–$7,500 | $3,500–$8,000 | Specialist training; handles complex cases | May be slightly more expensive |
| Board-Certified Orthodontist | $4,000–$8,000 | $4,000–$8,500 | Highest level of training | Most expensive |
The catch: A dentist’s “cheaper” braces may not fix the underlying bite problem. You could pay $4,000 to a dentist, need a second round of treatment from an orthodontist, and pay $7,000 more. Total: $11,000.
An orthodontist might cost $6,500 upfront but fix it correctly the first time.
What About Clear Aligners (Invisalign vs. Dentist Brands)?
Clear aligners have blurred the line between orthodontists and dentists.
Invisalign (Orthodontist or Dentist)
Invisalign sells to both orthodontists and general dentists. But the treatment plan is only as good as the provider’s training.
- Orthodontist with Invisalign Platinum/Diamond status: Thousands of cases. Can handle complex bites.
- General dentist with Invisalign: May only treat simple cases. Ask to see before-and-after photos of complex cases.
Direct-to-Consumer Aligners (SmileDirectClub, Byte, Candid)
These are not recommended. You never see a provider in person. No X-rays. No monitoring. The AAO has issued warnings about irreversible damage including tooth loss.
If you use one anyway: At minimum, get a consultation with an orthodontist first to ensure you’re a candidate. And see your dentist every 3 months during treatment.
How to Find the Right Provider Near You
Step 1: Search the AAO Directory
Start at the AAO “Find an Orthodontist” tool. This only lists specialists.
Step 2: Check Credentials
- ABO board certification (diplomate) – Voluntary but excellent
- State dental board license – Verify no disciplinary actions
Step 3: Read Reviews
Look for patterns. Multiple mentions of “fixed my bite” or “handled my complex case” are good signs.
Step 4: Get 2–3 Consultations
At least two should be orthodontists. If you’re considering a dentist, get one orthodontist consultation first so you know what a specialist would recommend.
Step 5: Ask These Questions
- To the orthodontist: “What’s wrong with my bite? What would happen if I didn’t fix it?”
- To the dentist: “How many orthodontic cases have you completed? Can I see before-and-after photos of cases similar to mine? What happens if my bite doesn’t improve?”
The AAO Position Statement
The American Association of Orthodontists states:
“Orthodontists are dental specialists who have completed an additional 2–3 years of accredited residency training focused exclusively on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. General dentists who choose to provide orthodontic treatment do so without this specialized training. The AAO recommends that patients seek orthodontic care from an AAO member orthodontist.”
This isn’t gatekeeping. It’s patient safety.
Common Questions About Orthodontist vs. Dentist
Can a general dentist put braces on my teeth?
Yes, legally. General dentists can place braces in all 50 states. But they have no formal orthodontic residency training. For simple cases (minor crowding), a dentist with experience may be fine. For any bite issue, see an orthodontist.
Is it cheaper to get braces from a dentist than an orthodontist?
Sometimes, but not always. Dentists may charge $500–$1,500 less. However, if the dentist misses a bite issue, you may need a second round of treatment from an orthodontist, costing thousands more. Pay once for quality.
How do I know if my case is simple enough for a dentist?
Mild spacing or very slight crowding (one or two teeth) with no bite issues may be appropriate. If you have any overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, severe crowding, or impacted teeth, you need an orthodontist. An orthodontist consultation will tell you definitively.
What’s the difference between DDS and DMD?
Nothing. Both are general dentistry degrees. DDS = Doctor of Dental Surgery. DMD = Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine. Same training. Only the name differs by university.
Do orthodontists charge more than dentists for braces?
On average, orthodontists charge 5–15% more than general dentists for comparable cases. But orthodontists also handle complex cases that dentists cannot. For a simple case, the price difference may be small. For complex cases, dentists may decline or refer out.
Can a dentist remove braces and put on retainers?
Yes, a general dentist can remove braces and fabricate retainers. However, if the original treatment was done by an orthodontist, return to that orthodontist for removal. They know your case best. If your orthodontist retired, find another orthodontist—not a dentist.
What if my dentist offers free braces consultations?
Free is fine. But get a second opinion from an orthodontist who also offers free consultations. Compare what each says. If the dentist says “simple case” and the orthodontist says “complex bite issue,” trust the orthodontist.
Can an orthodontist do fillings and cleanings?
Yes, orthodontists are licensed dentists. But most do not offer general dentistry services. Their office is set up for braces and aligners only. You’ll still need a separate general dentist for cleanings, fillings, and crowns.
How do I verify an orthodontist’s credentials?
Search the AAO directory for membership. Search the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) directory for board certification. Search your state dental board website for license status and disciplinary history.
What’s the worst that can happen if a dentist does my braces?
Poor outcomes include: root resorption (shortening of tooth roots), bite issues (worsened overbite or underbite), gum recession from incorrect forces, prolonged treatment (3–4 years instead of 18–24 months), and relapse after removal. Fixing these problems costs thousands.
Your Next Move: See an Orthodontist First
You now know the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist for braces. Your orthodontist dentist near me search should prioritize orthodontists—especially for any bite issue, complex crowding, or child treatment. Get one orthodontist consultation before even considering a dentist. Compare their treatment plan and price. Then decide.
For more guidance, read:
- How to Choose a Qualified Orthodontist (AAO & ABO Credentials Explained)
- Orthodontist Near Me: How to Evaluate Local Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to get braces from an orthodontist or dentist?
For any bite issue (overbite, underbite, crossbite), severe crowding, impacted teeth, or children under 10, see an orthodontist. For very mild spacing or slight crowding with no bite issues, an experienced general dentist may be acceptable. When in doubt, see an orthodontist.
Why would a dentist offer braces?
Some general dentists enjoy orthodontics and take continuing education courses. Others see it as a revenue stream. Patient convenience (one-stop shop) is also a factor. However, continuing education is not equivalent to a 2–3 year residency.
Can an orthodontist fix a dentist’s bad braces work?
Yes, but it’s expensive and time-consuming. You’ll pay for a full second round of treatment—often more complex than the first because roots may be damaged or teeth moved incorrectly. Prevention (choosing an orthodontist first) is far cheaper.
Do dental schools have orthodontists or dentists?
Dental schools have both. Orthodontic residents (trainees) work under faculty orthodontists. General dentistry residents (trainees) may offer braces under faculty supervision. At a dental school, you’re always overseen by specialists. This is safe and affordable.
How much does Invisalign cost from a dentist vs orthodontist?
$3,000–$8,000 from either. The price difference is minimal. The difference is in treatment quality. Orthodontists with Platinum or Diamond status have completed thousands of Invisalign cases. Dentists may have completed dozens. For complex Invisalign cases, choose an orthodontist.
Can a dentist put on a palatal expander?
Most general dentists do not place palatal expanders. These devices widen the upper jaw in children and require specific training. See an orthodontist for expanders. Incorrect placement can cause asymmetry or dental trauma.
What questions should I ask a dentist offering braces?
Ask: “How many orthodontic cases have you completed? Can I see before-and-after photos of cases like mine? What is your training in orthodontics? What happens if my bite doesn’t improve? Will you refer me to an orthodontist if needed?”
Are online braces (direct-to-consumer aligners) safe?
No. The AAO has warned that direct-to-consumer aligners without in-person supervision can cause irreversible damage including tooth loss, gum recession, and root resorption. Always see a provider in person—orthodontist or dentist—for X-rays and monitoring.
How do I know if my dentist is qualified to do braces?
Ask about their orthodontic training. Weekend courses are not sufficient. Ask how many braces cases they complete per year. If it’s fewer than 20, they lack volume. Ask to see before-and-after photos. And still get a second opinion from an orthodontist.
What’s the cost difference between a dentist and orthodontist?
Orthodontists typically charge 5–15% more. For a $5,000 case, that’s $250–$750 extra. That small premium buys 2–3 additional years of specialty training and vastly lower risk of complications. Almost always worth it.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental or orthodontic advice. Always consult a licensed orthodontist for guidance specific to your situation. The AAO recommends orthodontic evaluation by a specialist.