The Difference Between Dentists And Orthodontists At Brown Family Orthodontics
Understanding The Specialized Care Behind Braces, Aligners, And Healthy Smiles
Table of Contents
Introduction
Meet The Doctors
Dentist Vs Orthodontist: The Simple Explanation
Why Orthodontists Are Specialists In Tooth Alignment And Jaw Correction
What Dentists And Orthodontists Each Do Best
Can I Get Invisalign At A Dentist
Why Specialist Care Matters For Bite Problems And Complex Smiles
What To Expect When We Evaluate Your Smile
Our Top Picks: Questions To Ask Before Starting Treatment
Pro Tips For Choosing The Right Provider
Patient Spotlight
Why Choose Brown Family Orthodontics
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
If you are researching braces or clear aligners, you have probably asked the same question we hear every week: "Should I get orthodontic treatment at my dentist, or should I see an orthodontist?" It is a fair question, and the answer matters because orthodontic treatment is not just cosmetic. It is medical tooth movement that affects your bite, your jaw position, your long-term oral health, and the stability of your results.
At Brown Family Orthodontics, we are proud to provide specialist orthodontic care that has earned the trust of families for over 50 years. Our doctors, Dr. Jessica Ulmer (Dr. Jess) and Dr. Ed Brown III (Dr. Ed), lead our team across seven locations in Mississippi and Louisiana: Chalmette, Mandeville, Metairie, Marrero, Madisonville, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula. With 5-star ratings and 150+ reviews, our focus is simple: deliver confident smiles with expert diagnosis, clear options, and results built to last.
In this guide, we are breaking down the real difference between a dentist and an orthodontist, when each provider is the right fit, and how specialist care can make all the difference in your braces or aligners results.
Straight Teeth Are Only Part Of The Goal
A great orthodontic result is not only straight teeth. It is a healthy bite, stable jaw function, and a smile that feels as good as it looks.
Meet The Doctors
Brown Family Orthodontics is led by Dr. Jessica Ulmer (Dr. Jess) and Dr. Ed Brown III (Dr. Ed). Our practice is built on a family-owned legacy of care, and we combine that experience with modern technology and treatment options.
We treat patients of all ages with:
- Braces
- Invisalign®
- Spark Aligners
Whether you are looking for braces for your teen, clear aligners for yourself, or guidance on bite correction and jaw alignment, we will help you understand your best path forward.
Dentist Vs Orthodontist: The Clear Explanation
Here is the clearest way to explain it:
- A dentist focuses on overall oral health, including prevention, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and gum care.
- An orthodontist is a dentist who completes additional specialty training focused on orthodontic treatment, including tooth alignment, bite correction, and jaw relationships.
Both play important roles. The difference is specialization.
Orthodontic treatment involves managing precise forces over time. That requires specialized diagnosis, planning, and monitoring to achieve a stable finish.
Why Orthodontists Are Specialists In Tooth Alignment And Jaw Correction
General dentists complete dental school and earn a DDS or DMD degree. Orthodontists also earn a DDS or DMD, then complete an additional 2 to 3 years of full-time orthodontic residency training focused specifically on tooth movement, bite alignment, and jaw relationships. Many orthodontic programs also include advanced research and may award an additional graduate degree, depending on the program.
That extra training matters because orthodontics is not only about moving teeth into a straighter position. It is about how teeth fit together, how the bite functions, and how to guide changes safely and predictably.
What That Specialty Training Helps Us Do
- Diagnose bite problems that are easy to miss
- Plan tooth movement that protects enamel, roots, and gum health
- Correct jaw-related bite issues that can affect comfort and stability
- Anticipate finishing details that determine whether results feel "right" when you chew and speak
- Adjust treatment when your teeth move differently than expected
This is why specialist care is the best choice when you want both beautiful results and long-term oral health support.
What Dentists And Orthodontists Each Do Best
Dentists and orthodontists work best as a team. Many of our patients see their general dentist for routine oral health and see us for orthodontic treatment. That partnership supports great outcomes.
What A Dentist Does Best
- Preventive care, like cleanings and routine exams
- Cavity treatment and fillings
- Crowns, bridges, and restorative dentistry
- Gum health monitoring and referrals when needed
- General oral health guidance across your lifetime
What An Orthodontist Does Best
- Tooth alignment and bite correction
- Jaw correction and bite relationship planning
- Braces for comprehensive orthodontic treatment
- Clear aligners, including Invisalign and Spark Aligners
- Managing complex cases, finishing details, and stability planning
- Retention strategies to protect your results long-term
If your goal involves tooth alignment, jaw correction, or bite changes, that is orthodontic treatment. Specialist care is built for that.
Can I Get Invisalign At A Dentist
Yes, some dentists offer Invisalign or other clear trays. For some very mild cases, that can work.
However, Invisalign and clear aligners are tools. The quality of the outcome depends on diagnosis, planning, and monitoring. Some smiles that look simple at first glance are not simple once we evaluate the bite, jaw relationship, and movement needed to finish well.
When Clear Aligners May Be Straightforward
- Mild spacing with a stable bite
- Minor crowding with limited tooth movement
- Cosmetic adjustments without bite correction needs
When Specialist Orthodontic Care Is Often The Better Fit
- Bite issues like overbites, underbites, open bites, deep bites, or crossbites
- Crowding that requires careful staging and space management
- Cases that need attachments, elastics, or advanced biomechanics
- Relapse after previous braces or aligners
- Jaw alignment concerns, chewing discomfort, or uneven wear patterns
If you are asking, "Can I get Invisalign at a dentist?" the more important question is:
"Do I want my orthodontic treatment planned by a specialist whose training is focused specifically on tooth movement and bite correction?"
Our team helps you answer that clearly, with a plan built for the best finish, not just the fastest start.
Why Specialist Care Matters For Bite Problems And Complex Smiles
A straight smile that does not fit well can still cause problems. Bite function drives comfort. It also influences stability, wear patterns, and how your results hold up over time.
Common Signs Your Case May Be More Than Cosmetic
- Your bite feels uneven, shifted, or uncomfortable
- You chew more on one side
- Your front teeth hit too hard or do not touch at all
- You have frequent chipping, wear, or sensitivity
- You have jaw tightness, popping, or fatigue when chewing
- Your teeth look straight, but your bite still feels "off"
When bite issues are involved, orthodontic treatment focuses on jaw correction and stability, not just tooth alignment.
Why This Impacts Results
If we only focus on straightening teeth without addressing bite relationships, you can end up with:
- A smile that looks better but still feels uncomfortable
- Finishing issues that increase relapse risk
- Uneven contact that can contribute to wear over time
- Frustration late in treatment when details matter most
Specialist care helps prevent those problems by planning the end from the beginning.
What To Expect When We Evaluate Your Smile
A great orthodontic plan starts with a detailed evaluation. We do not rely on a quick glance. We want to understand your alignment, your bite, and your goals.
What We Evaluate
- Tooth alignment, including crowding, spacing, and rotations
- Bite relationship, including how your upper and lower teeth fit together
- Jaw alignment and functional movement, including any shifts when you close
- Wear patterns that can signal bite imbalance
- Your oral health foundation, including gum support and restorative considerations
- Your lifestyle and preferences, including braces vs aligners
We use diagnostic records, such as digital scans, photos, and X-rays, to get the full picture. Then we walk you through your options in a way that feels clear and decision-friendly.
What You Leave With
- A clear explanation of what we see
- Your best treatment options, including braces, Invisalign, and Spark Aligners
- A timeline and plan built around function and long-term stability
- Next steps that feel simple, doable, and exciting. Your new smile awaits!
Our Top Picks: Questions To Ask Before Starting Treatment
If you are comparing providers or deciding between a dentist and an orthodontist, these questions will help you make a confident choice.
Top Picks
- Will you evaluate my bite and jaw alignment, not just my front teeth?
A strong plan considers function and comfort, not only cosmetics. - Is my case cosmetic, functional, or both?
Bite correction often requires specialist orthodontic treatment planning. - Which treatment option is best for my case: braces, Invisalign, or Spark Aligners?
The best option depends on your bite needs and lifestyle. - How will you handle finishing details and stability?
The finish is where long-term results are protected. - How often will you monitor progress and adjust the plan?
Teeth move biologically. Monitoring protects outcomes. - What is the retention plan after treatment?
Retainers are essential for keeping your results.
Social Challenge: The "Better Question" Challenge
For one week, every time you think "Do I need braces or aligners?" ask this instead: "Will this plan improve my bite and keep my smile stable long-term?"
That one shift in thinking leads to better decisions.
Pro Tips For Choosing The Right Provider
These tips help you protect your investment and improve your outcome.
Pro Tips
- Do not choose your provider based on price alone
Orthodontic treatment is a health decision, and the plan matters as much as the appliance. - Ask about bite correction and jaw relationships
Tooth alignment without bite correction can lead to discomfort and instability. - Choose the option you can follow consistently
Aligners require disciplined wear. Braces require disciplined hygiene. Consistency drives results. - Look for clear communication and a plan you understand
Confidence improves when you know what is happening and why. - Plan for retention from the beginning
A great retainer plan protects everything you worked for.
Patient Spotlight
One of our adult patients came in after years of hiding their smile in photos. They were considering clear aligners and assumed their case was simple. After evaluating their bite, we found that crowding was only part of the story. Their bite was uneven, which was concentrating pressure on a few teeth.
We built a plan that focused on alignment and bite stability, and we discussed options openly. The patient chose a path that fit their lifestyle and their goals, and as treatment progressed, they noticed a shift that mattered most: their bite felt balanced, and smiling felt natural again.
Every case is different, but the lesson remains the same. When we match the plan to the real problem, results look better and feel better.
Why Choose Brown Family Orthodontics
When you choose orthodontic treatment, you deserve specialist care, clear options, and a team that treats your family like our own.
At Brown Family Orthodontics, we offer:
- Over 50 years of trusted, family-owned care
- Doctors you can trust, Dr. Jess and Dr. Ed
- Modern treatment options, including braces, Invisalign, and Spark Aligners
- Seven convenient locations across Mississippi and Louisiana
- A 5-star reputation with 150+ reviews
If you are looking for orthodontic treatment that supports tooth alignment, oral health, jaw correction, and long-term stability, we would love to meet you.
Conclusion
Dentists and orthodontists both protect smiles, but they do it in different ways. Your general dentist is essential for long-term oral health, prevention, and routine care. An orthodontist is a specialist trained specifically to move teeth safely, correct bites, and guide jaw relationships for stable, lasting results.
If you are considering braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign or Spark Aligners, the next best step is a specialist evaluation so you can make a confident choice based on your bite, goals, and long-term oral health.
We would love to help you get clarity and a plan that fits. Contact Brown Family Orthodontics to schedule your consultation. We look forward to meeting you!
- Chalmette: 504-455-1625
- Mandeville: 985-626-8297
- Metairie: 504-455-1625
- Marrero: 504-455-1625
- Madisonville: 985-893-1044
- Ocean Springs: 228-872-8153
- Pascagoula: 228-762-4403
Visit us at brownfamilyortho.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
A dentist provides comprehensive oral health care, including cleanings, fillings, and crowns. An orthodontist is a dentist who completes an additional 2 to 3 years of specialty training focused on tooth alignment, bite correction, and jaw relationships.
Can a dentist do braces or clear aligners?
Some dentists offer aligners, while others may offer only limited orthodontic services. The best provider for your case depends on complexity, bite goals, and whether jaw correction is needed.
Is Invisalign better with an orthodontist?
For many patients, yes, especially when bite correction or complex movement is involved. Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing bite issues and planning tooth movement for stable, long-term results.
How do I know if my case is more complex?
If your bite feels uneven, you have chewing discomfort, your teeth chip or wear unevenly, or your jaw feels tight or fatigued, your case may involve more than cosmetic straightening.
What should I ask during a consultation?
Ask how your bite and jaw alignment will be evaluated, what treatment options fit your case, how finishing and stability will be handled, and what the retainer plan will be after treatment.
Why are retainers so important after orthodontic treatment?
Teeth can shift after treatment. Retainers help maintain your new tooth alignment and protect your results in the long term.
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