Many patients wonder if they can simply rely on their family dentist for everything related to their teeth, including straightening them. While general dentists play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, orthodontics is a highly specialized field that goes beyond cleanings, fillings and routine check-ups.
At Innova Orthodontics in Port Coquitlam, we regularly meet patients who are unsure whether they need an orthodontist or a dentist for their treatment. This post will clarify the difference and help you understand why seeking a certified orthodontic specialist can make all the difference when it comes to alignment, bite correction and long-term results.
The Core Differences Between Dentistry and Orthodontics
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. After completing dental school, orthodontists undergo two to three additional years of intensive, full-time training focused exclusively on diagnosing and treating misalignments of the teeth and jaws. This includes conditions such as crowding, overbite, underbite, spacing issues and other forms of malocclusion. While a general dentist is essential for overall oral hygiene and dental health, they are not trained to provide advanced orthodontic care.
Dentists may offer some alignment options, but orthodontists have deeper expertise in planning complex tooth movements, managing facial growth in younger patients and ensuring that treatment improves both function and appearance. Choosing an orthodontist ensures that your case is being handled by someone with the right tools, training and experience to deliver long-lasting results.
Why It Matters to See an Orthodontic Specialist
Orthodontic treatment is not just about aesthetics. A misaligned bite can cause long-term problems with chewing, speech, oral hygiene and even jaw discomfort. Treating these issues properly requires careful planning and precise adjustments over time. That’s where a certified specialist becomes essential.
At Innova Orthodontics, our team uses advanced diagnostic tools, such as digital imaging and 3D modeling, to assess each patient’s unique anatomy and bite mechanics. We then create a personalized treatment plan tailored to that specific case, using braces, Invisalign or other modern tools depending on age, lifestyle and goals.
Here are some situations where orthodontic expertise makes a difference:
- Correcting bite issues such as open bite, crossbite or severe crowding;
- Monitoring jaw development in children to prevent future complications;
- Managing relapse in patients who had previous orthodontic treatment;
- Designing complex tooth movement in adults with restorative dental work.
General dentists are often the first to spot potential alignment problems, and many of them refer patients to orthodontists when they detect concerns. That collaboration is important and ensures patients get the right level of care at the right time.
Personalized Care at Every Step
What truly sets orthodontic care apart is the long-term relationship built over the course of treatment. Orthodontics is not a one-time procedure. It’s a process that takes months or years, and having a dedicated specialist by your side can make a significant difference in how smooth, comfortable and effective that journey is.
We believe in personalized care that prioritizes your goals and lifestyle. From your first consultation to your final retainer check, we are here to support you every step of the way with clarity, professionalism and attention to detail. Whether you’re considering braces for your child or Invisalign for yourself, you’ll have access to expert guidance and a team that truly cares.
Orthodontist in Coquitlam
Looking for personalized treatment from certified orthodontic specialists? Contact Innova Orthodontics for expert evaluation, fully customized treatment plans and modern orthodontic solutions including braces and Invisalign. Start your journey with Port Coquitlam’s trusted orthodontic team and get the care your smile truly deserves.
