What’s the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?

2026 Complete Guide to Oral Care in Las Vegas & North Las Vegas

If you are researching braces, Invisalign, or orthodontic treatment in Las Vegas or North Las Vegas, one of the most common questions is:

What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist — and which one should I see?

Understanding this distinction is important. Choosing the right specialist can directly impact your treatment results, long-term oral health, and overall smile transformation.

This guide explains the difference, when to see each provider, and how to choose the right orthodontic specialist in Las Vegas.

Dentist vs. Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?

While dentists and orthodontists both care for your teeth, their training and treatment focus are very different.

What Is a Dentist?

A dentist is a general oral health provider. After completing dental school (DDS or DMD degree), dentists are trained to:

• Perform cleanings and routine exams
• Treat cavities and place fillings
• Perform crowns and restorative procedures
• Manage gum disease
• Provide preventative dental care

Dentists focus on maintaining oral health and treating disease.

For routine dental care in North Las Vegas, patients typically work with a general dentist such as NLV Dental:
https://www.nlvdental.com

Some dentists offer Invisalign or limited orthodontic services. However, orthodontics is not their specialty unless they complete additional residency training.

What Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completes an additional 2–3 years of post-doctoral residency training focused entirely on:

• Teeth alignment
• Bite correction
• Jaw positioning
• Facial balance
• Growth and development of the smile

Orthodontists specialize in treatments such as:

• Traditional metal braces in Las Vegas:
  https://www.nlvorthodontics.com/braces-las-vegas
• Ceramic and clear braces:
  https://www.nlvorthodontics.com/ceramic-braces-las-vegas
• Invisalign and clear aligners:
  https://www.nlvorthodontics.com/clear-aligners-las-vegas
• Early orthodontic treatment for children
• Complex bite correction
• Adult orthodontic treatment

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.

If your goal is to straighten teeth, correct crowding, fix an overbite or underbite, or improve smile aesthetics, a board-trained orthodontist in Las Vegas is the specialist trained specifically for that purpose.

Why It Matters for Braces and Invisalign in Las Vegas

Orthodontic treatment is more than cosmetic. Proper alignment affects:

• Long-term tooth health
• Jaw comfort and joint function
• Chewing efficiency
• Speech clarity
• Facial symmetry
• Risk of uneven tooth wear

Choosing a Las Vegas orthodontist with advanced specialty training ensures:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Customized treatment planning
• Predictable tooth movement
• Safe correction of bite issues
• Long-term stability

This is especially important for patients considering Invisalign in North Las Vegas for moderate or advanced alignment concerns.

Braces vs Invisalign: Which Is Better?

One of the most searched orthodontic questions in Las Vegas is:

Are braces better than Invisalign?

The answer depends entirely on your individual case.

Traditional Braces

Braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into proper alignment.

Learn more about braces in Las Vegas here:
https://www.nlvorthodontics.com/braces-las-vegas

Braces are often best for:

• Severe crowding
• Complex bite correction
• Significant rotation
• Younger patients

Advantages include continuous force and highly precise control over tooth movement.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign uses custom clear trays that are changed every one to two weeks to gradually shift teeth.

If you are considering a discreet option, explore Invisalign treatment in Las Vegas:
https://www.nlvorthodontics.com/clear-aligners-las-vegas

Invisalign is often ideal for:

• Mild to moderate crowding
• Adults and teens wanting a less visible option
• Patients who prefer removable aligners

An experienced orthodontist in North Las Vegas can determine whether braces or Invisalign will deliver the most effective and efficient results for your smile.

When Should You See an Orthodontist Instead of a Dentist?

You should consult an orthodontist if you have:

• Crooked teeth
• Gaps or spacing issues
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Jaw alignment concerns
• Shifting teeth in adulthood
• Interest in braces or Invisalign

Children are typically recommended to have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Early monitoring allows orthodontists to identify growth concerns before they become more complex.

In some younger patients, appliances such as a rapid palatal expander (RPE) may be recommended to create space for proper jaw development:
https://www.nlvorthodontics.com/rapid-palatal-expander-rpe

Orthodontic care is not limited to teenagers. Adult Invisalign treatment in Las Vegas continues to grow as more professionals seek discreet smile correction.

What to Expect From Orthodontic Treatment in North Las Vegas

A typical orthodontic process includes:

1. Initial Consultation

Your orthodontist will evaluate:

• Teeth alignment
• Jaw structure
• Bite relationship
• Growth stage (for children and teens)

Digital scans and imaging may be used to create a precise treatment plan.

2. Customized Treatment Plan

You will receive guidance on:

• Whether braces or Invisalign is recommended
• Estimated treatment timeline
• Payment and financing options
• Insurance coordination

3. Active Treatment

Regular appointments ensure:

• Proper tooth movement
• Adjustments when needed
• Ongoing monitoring of progress

4. Retention Phase

After treatment, custom retainers help prevent teeth from shifting back and protect your orthodontic results:
https://www.nlvorthodontics.com/retainers

Retention is essential for maintaining long-term alignment.

Common Questions About Orthodontists and Dentists

Is an orthodontist better than a dentist for braces?

Yes. Orthodontists receive specialized training in tooth and jaw alignment and are best equipped to manage braces and complex orthodontic cases.

Can a dentist provide Invisalign?

Some dentists offer Invisalign. However, orthodontists complete additional residency training specifically focused on bite correction and alignment, often leading to more comprehensive treatment planning.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Most orthodontic treatment lasts between 12 and 24 months. Treatment time depends on age, case complexity, and whether braces or Invisalign is used.

Choosing the Right Orthodontist in Las Vegas

When selecting an orthodontist in Las Vegas or North Las Vegas, consider:

• Specialized orthodontic training
• Experience with braces and Invisalign
• Advanced digital technology
• Patient reviews
• Flexible financing options
• Clear communication and transparency

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your health and confidence. Choosing a specialist ensures your smile transformation is done correctly and safely.

Final Thoughts

Dentists maintain oral health.
Orthodontists specialize in alignment and bite correction.

If your goal is straighter teeth, improved bite function, or a more confident smile, working with an experienced orthodontist in North Las Vegas provides the expertise required for lasting results.

Ready to see whether braces or Invisalign is right for you?

Schedule your free orthodontic consultation today:
https://www.nlvorthodontics.com/contact

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