If you’ve ever wondered, “Do orthodontists do surgery?” or “Is an orthodontist an oral surgeon?”, you’re not the only one. It’s actually a fairly common question that many people have.
These types of questions are common, especially for individuals planning orthodontic treatments or those exploring solutions for complex dental problems. While orthodontists and oral surgeons often collaborate, their roles and expertise differ significantly.
Here’s a detailed look at what each does and how they complement each other in improving oral health.
Key Takeaways
- Orthodontists specialize in non-surgical methods to correct teeth alignment and bite issues using braces, aligners, and other devices.
- Oral surgeons focus on surgical treatments for complex dental and facial concerns, such as impacted teeth, jaw misalignments, and facial trauma.
- Orthodontists and oral surgeons often work together for comprehensive care in cases requiring both orthodontic and surgical expertise.
- For concerns like misaligned teeth or bite problems, start with an orthodontist. For surgical needs, such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery, consult an oral surgeon.
- At A Winning Smile Orthodontics, we collaborate with trusted oral surgeons to provide seamless, effective, and customized treatment plans.
Orthodontists vs. Oral Surgeons: What’s the Difference?
Orthodontists and oral surgeons are both essential specialists in the field of dentistry, but their focus areas and skill sets are distinct. Understanding the difference between these two professionals can help you determine which one you need for your specific dental concerns.
Let’s look at both.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaws.
Their work revolves around treatments like:
- Straightening teeth using traditional metal braces, clear aligners like Invisalign®, and other orthodontic devices.
- Addressing bite-related problems (e.g., overbite, underbite, crossbite).
- Correcting overcrowded or misaligned teeth to improve both functionality and aesthetics.
Orthodontists undergo extensive education, completing a dental degree and an additional 2–3 years of specialized training in orthodontics. However, they generally do not perform surgery.
Instead, they focus on non-invasive methods to reposition teeth and jaws.
Oral Surgeons
Oral surgeons, also known as maxillofacial surgeons, are trained to perform complex surgical procedures in the mouth, jaw, and face.
Their areas of expertise include:
- Removing impacted wisdom teeth.
- Performing jaw surgeries (orthognathic surgery) to correct severe misalignments.
- Treating facial trauma or oral cysts/tumors.
- Dental implants and other tooth-related surgeries.
Oral surgeons are dentists who undergo an additional 4–6 years of surgical training after dental school. Their role complements that of orthodontists, especially in cases where jaw surgery is needed to support orthodontic treatments.
Do Orthodontists and Oral Surgeons Work Together?
Yes, orthodontists and oral surgeons often collaborate in cases requiring combined expertise.
For example:
- Jaw Misalignment: If you have a significant overbite or underbite that braces alone can’t fix, your orthodontist may work with an oral surgeon to perform jaw surgery alongside orthodontic treatment.
- Impacted Teeth: If a tooth is stuck beneath the gumline, an oral surgeon can extract or expose it, allowing the orthodontist to guide its proper alignment.
- Facial and Jaw Pain: Conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may require input from both professionals.
At A Winning Smile Orthodontics, we focus on creating customized treatment plans, and when surgery is needed, we coordinate with skilled oral surgeons to achieve optimal outcomes.
Should You See an Orthodontist or an Oral Surgeon?
Deciding whether to see an orthodontist or an oral surgeon depends on your specific dental needs.
While both specialists play crucial roles in improving oral health, understanding their unique expertise can help you make the right choice for your treatment.
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- If your concerns are about early orthodontics, misaligned teeth, overcrowding, or bite issues, start with an orthodontist. They’ll use braces, aligners, or other tools to gradually reposition your teeth.
- If you need surgical intervention, such as a tooth extraction or jaw surgery, you’ll likely be referred to an oral surgeon for additional care.
- Collaboration is key: For complex cases, both specialists may be involved to ensure you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
At A Winning Smile Orthodontics, led by Dr. Catherine Scheurer McDevitt, we offer expert diagnosis and guidance to help determine the most effective path for your oral health. With over 20 years of experience serving the Worthington and Columbus, Ohio communities, we provide personalized care backed by a commitment to transparency and patient satisfaction.
FAQ
Q: Do orthodontists do surgeries?
A: No, orthodontists do not typically perform surgeries. They focus on non-invasive methods to reposition teeth and jaws.
Q: Is an orthodontist the same as an oral surgeon?
A: No, orthodontists and oral surgeons have different roles and expertise. While both are essential specialists in dentistry, their focus areas differ significantly.
Q: When should I see an orthodontist vs. an oral surgeon?
A: It depends on your specific dental needs. If you have concerns about misaligned teeth or bite issues, start with an orthodontist. For surgical procedures such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery, you’ll likely be referred to an oral surgeon.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the distinctions between orthodontists and oral surgeons is key to navigating your dental treatment options effectively. While orthodontists primarily focus on non-surgical methods to realign teeth and improve jaw functionality, oral surgeons specialize in surgical interventions for more complex issues.
If you’ve been wondering, “Do orthodontists do surgery?” the answer is typically no; instead, they collaborate with oral surgeons for cases requiring surgical expertise. At A Winning Smile Orthodontics, we ensure seamless communication and collaboration with skilled oral surgeons when necessary, so you can feel confident in receiving comprehensive, customized care.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, reach out to A Winning Smile Orthodontics in Worthington and Columbus, Ohio.
Schedule a consultation today to explore your options!
