{"id":26372,"date":"2022-07-20T17:23:26","date_gmt":"2022-07-20T11:53:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/royalimplant.com\/blogs\/?p=26372"},"modified":"2026-08-08T15:34:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T10:04:50","slug":"do-oral-surgeons-and-orthodontists-differ","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/royalimplant.com\/blogs\/do-oral-surgeons-and-orthodontists-differ\/","title":{"rendered":"Oral Surgeon vs. Orthodontist: What is the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you mention dentists, most people think of the general dentists that they\u2019ve met or know: someone who cleans teeth and fixes cavities. General dentists are great for fixing problems with your teeth and gums, but if you want to fix problems with your jaw alignment or go further with orthodontic remedies, you might want to find an orthodontist or oral surgeon instead. Read on to learn about Oral Surgeon vs. Orthodontist differences between these two professionals and which one is the best fit for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do Oral Surgeons and Orthodontists Differ is an important question for patients who are confused about which dental specialist they should visit. Orthodontists mainly help with crooked teeth, bite correction, braces, aligners, and jaw alignment, while oral surgeons manage surgical treatments such as wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, jaw surgery, broken teeth, and other mouth or facial surgery needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is this Article For?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This article is for patients who are confused about whether they should visit an orthodontist or an oral surgeon for their dental or jaw-related concern. This blog helps patients understand that orthodontists mainly correct teeth and jaw alignment using braces, aligners, or dental appliances, while oral surgeons manage surgical procedures involving the mouth, teeth, jaws, and surrounding tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is an Orthodontist?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Orthodontists specialise in correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws<\/a> (orthodontics) by using braces and other dental appliances. They use special training, skills, and tools to correct misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites, and other jaw problems. It\u2019s important to note that orthodontists cannot perform other dental treatments, such as teeth extraction<\/a>, fillings, or root canals. Most orthodontists have a four-year dental degree.<\/p>\n\n\n

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After graduation, they have to complete a two-year post-doctoral orthodontic program. While there are no specific degree or certification requirements to become a dentist, there are many different types of dentists, each with their own area of expertise. Orthodontists specialize in the movement of teeth, jaw alignment, and facial aesthetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an Oral Surgeon?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oral surgeons are experts in oral and maxillofacial surgery<\/a>. This means that they operate on the mouth, the surrounding tissue, and the jaws. Oral surgeons can perform treatments like removing wisdom teeth, repairing broken teeth, replacing missing teeth, and correcting misaligned jaws. Unlike dentists, oral surgeons require specialized training in order to administer anesthesia and perform surgery on patients. This is why maxillofacial surgeons are often called oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Like dentists, oral surgeons are trained as surgeons and complete four years of training in dental school.<\/p>\n\n\n

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However, they have to complete a one-year residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery before they can be licensed to practice. After graduation, they have to complete a one-year oral and maxillofacial surgery program to get licensed. Oral surgeons learn how to fix teeth, jaws, and facial irregularities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The difference between Oral Surgeon vs. Orthodontist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned above, orthodontists specialize in correcting teeth and jaw alignment. They have specialized skills and tools to correct misaligned jaws, overbites, underbites, and other jaw problems. Unlike oral surgeons, orthodontists cannot perform oral surgery on the teeth or surrounding tissue. They cannot perform procedures like wisdom teeth extraction, root canals, or tooth extractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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