It is possible that you would need the services of both an oral surgeon and an orthodontist. Their services are related but not identical, and both roles support the other when it comes to patient care. Understanding exactly what oral care is needed is the only way to know which is best for you or if you need both.

Orthodontist vs Oral Surgeon: Differences and Similarities

Orthodontics and oral surgery are distinct, specialized areas of dental care that offer different services. They possess different skills and education to support patients in unique ways. However, their services are closely related, and one patient may find they need the services of both doctors for comprehensive treatment.

The Orthodontist’s Role

An orthodontist is a dental professional with specialized and advanced training to treat teeth and jaw deformities. One of the primary services they provide is braces and clear aligners to straighten teeth. However, their expertise also includes correcting bite patterns, improving oral health, preventing future dental issues, adjusting misaligned jaws, and more.[1]

Orthodontist Education and Training

Orthodontists complete dental school, just like a general dentist, but they must also complete an additional program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.[2] Here, they will receive more in-depth training on facial bones, how teeth move, jaw health, and more. Some dentists may be able to prescribe clear aligners or even braces, but they do not have the same expertise or skill as an orthodontist.

Conditions where you may need an orthodontist’s specialized skills:

• Crowded, crooked teeth
• Misaligned jaw
• Overbite/underbite
• TMJ pain

The Oral Surgeon’s Role

An oral surgeon (also known as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or OMS) can diagnose and treat injuries and diseases on the face, mouth, neck, and jaw across both hard and soft tissue. Some of the primary services an OMS may perform include dental implants, reconstructive surgery, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma repair, cosmetic enhancements for the face, and cleft lip or palate surgery.[3]

Oral Surgeon and Training

An oral surgeon also attends dental school, obtaining either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).[4] This degree is followed by a surgical residency for six years to receive additional training in anesthesia and oral pathology. After the proper licensing and certifications are obtained, they will rotate with staff surgeons in the operating room to increase their knowledge and skills. While most dentists can perform tooth extractions or other procedures, they do not have the same expertise or skill as an oral surgeon.

Conditions where you may need an oral surgeon’s specialized skills:

• Corrective jaw surgery
• TMJ disorders that may need surgery,
• Jaw cysts and facial tumors
• For facial or jaw birth defects
• Facial injuries due to trauma

Orthodontist and Oral Surgeon: When You Need Both

Oral surgeons and orthodontists often work together to complete patient care, especially for more complex cases. Some patients with misaligned upper and lower jaw bones that affect how they chew, bite, or speak may require surgical orthodontics.

This is a type of corrective jaw surgery that improves structural issues to ensure a lasting fix. Both the orthodontist and oral surgeon will work closely together to ensure a beautiful smile is the outcome.

Orthodontist vs. Oral Surgeon: Who should I see first?

For most patients, orthodontic treatment will begin first.[5] It’s best for the teeth to be in perfect alignment before surgically altering the upper jaw or lower jaw. Braces, retainers, or aligners may still be applied post-surgery to prevent teeth from gravitating back to their original positions.

Do you need an oral surgeon or an orthodontist for jaw issues?

It depends on the type of jaw issue. If you have TMJ pain but don’t need surgery, an orthodontist may be able to help. If you need to repair a jaw injury after a car accident, an oral surgeon may be the best fit.

How can oral surgery help orthodontic treatment?

Patients who have severe teeth misalignment may also have deeper, more complex jaw issues. These conditions need to be treated in order to prevent additional misalignment from happening again after orthodontic treatment. In many cases, oral surgery is the solution for underlying orthodontic issues. Oral surgeons and orthodontists can work closely together to ensure patients receive comprehensive treatment.

Understanding The Different Types of Dental Care Providers

The dental field is more extensive than most patients realize. There are a number of dental specialties and skilled providers that offer vastly different care for oral and dental health.

• General Dentist: A general dentist is someone who primarily provides preventative care with checkups and cleanings as well as fillings and other basic procedures.
• Orthodontist: An orthodontist is a teeth alignment specialist creating perfect and healthy smiles that patients love.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Oral surgeons specialize in surgical procedures for the mouth, the jaw, the face, and even other parts of the head.
• Pedodontist or Pediatric Dentist: A dentist who specializes in pediatric care is known as a Pedodontist and serves patients from infancy through the teenage years.
• Endodontist: An endodontist focuses primarily on treating the inside of the tooth, including roots, pulp, and nerves. They will perform root canals and other procedures to repair soft tissue and treat tooth pain or infection.
• Periodontist: A periodontist specializes in gum health and treating conditions that exist in the soft tissue, like gum disease and periodontitis.
• Prosthodontist: A prosthodontist designs and fits dental prosthetics to treat dental defects and rehabilitate oral structures. This includes dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and more.
• Oral Pathologist: An oral pathologist specializes in identifying and treating diseases like cancer in the mouth, jaw, and oral tissue.

Talk To Your Orthodontist or Primary Dentist

Don’t guess about the orthodontic or dental care you need. Talk to your primary dentist or orthodontist about your needs. Together, we can come up with a dental treatment plan that leads to a smile you love for the rest of your life.

Schedule a free consultation and learn what type of treatment is best for your needs. We’ll break down the cost of treatment, discuss what your insurance provider covers (if relevant), and help you set up flexible payment options to ensure treatment is as affordable as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Orthodontists vs Oral Surgeons