Short answer
Every orthodontist is a dentist. But not every dentist is an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialty training in orthodontics on top of dental school. That training covers the position of the teeth and jaws, growth, and the bite.
On paper this difference looks small. At the exam chair, it changes the way the problem is viewed.
What does a dentist do?
A dentist is responsible for oral and dental health in general. Treating cavities, fillings, scaling, root canal treatment, extractions, and prostheses are the first things that come to mind. A dentist is also the first person most of us see. This is where you go for pain, a broken tooth, a cavity, or a checkup.
A dentist also notices orthodontic concerns. If the teeth are crowded or a child's bite is off, they will refer you to a specialist. Some dentists also carry out simple orthodontic procedures. That depends on the dentist's own training and experience.
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist deals with the alignment of the teeth, how the upper and lower jaws fit together, and facial development. The work covers braces, clear aligners, expansion appliances, appliances that guide jaw growth, and retention after treatment. At the exam, they look not only at the teeth but also at the jaws, the bite, and the stage of growth.
Specialty training comes after graduating from dental school and lasts several years. During this time the clinician works by treating patients and planning cases. A clinician who completes the training receives the specialist title, known in Turkey as Uzm. Dt. (specialist dentist).
Common misconceptions
Orthodontics is only for children. It is not. Adults can also be treated with braces or clear aligners. There is no strict upper age limit; what matters is the health of the gums and bone.
An orthodontist does not treat cavities. Generally not, because the focus is different. The dentist takes care of cavities, and the orthodontist keeps track of this during treatment.
A dentist who is not a specialist cannot place braces. That is not true. But specialty training gives an added foundation in planning complex bite problems. You have every right to ask who does what.
Who to see in which situation
| Situation | First visit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Toothache, cavity, broken tooth | Dentist | The first step in an emergency |
| Crowded or gapped teeth | Orthodontist | A dentist can also refer you |
| Upper and lower teeth do not fit together | Orthodontist | Bite problems are specialist work |
| Child with a narrow jaw or late-erupting teeth | Orthodontist | Being seen early during growth makes the work easier |
| I am thinking about clear aligners or braces | Orthodontist | The plan is built around the condition of the jaws and bite |
| A cavity appeared during braces | Both | The cavity filling is coordinated with the orthodontist |
Should you see a dentist for orthodontics?
You can. The dentist first looks at the overall condition of your mouth. If there are cavities or gum problems, they need to be taken care of before orthodontic treatment begins. This preparation is often done with the dentist.
But the treatment plan, meaning where the teeth will be moved, which appliance to choose, and the jaw relationship, is the orthodontist's field. Going directly to an orthodontist is also possible. You do not need a referral from your dentist to make an appointment.
When to see a specialist
- If your teeth are crowded, overlapping, or gapped and this bothers you.
- If your upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when you close.
- If your child lost baby teeth early or permanent teeth have no room to come in.
- If you have jaw shifting, difficulty chewing, or a speech problem.
- If you wore braces in the past and your teeth have shifted again.
- If you would like a second opinion about clear aligners or braces.
The two clinicians work together
The choice is not really one or the other. During orthodontic treatment the two complement each other. The dentist protects oral health, and the orthodontist moves the teeth. You may need both: for cavity treatment and scaling before treatment, regular care during treatment, and checkups afterward.
What to expect at the exam
A first orthodontic exam usually starts with a conversation. You are asked about your concern, your expectations, and your dental history. Then an exam of the mouth and face follows. If needed, a panoramic X-ray, photographs, and a digital scan are taken. These form the basis of the treatment plan. If you would like to see the flow of the exam in advance, the orthodontic consultation question list will help.
You can also ask your clinician about their specialty status: whether they are an orthodontic specialist, who will lead your treatment, and who will do the checkups. These are natural questions to ask.
Where to start in Ankara
At the clinic, your treatment is led by Funda Pekyılmaz Sarıkaya, specialist orthodontist (Uzm. Dt.). It is in Oran, at Park Oran Ofis, next to Panora Mall. For those searching for an orthodontist in Ankara, there is a general information page. Those curious about the area can look at the Oran, Çankaya orthodontist page. If you would like to get an idea remotely first, the online pre-assessment is a place to start. There is also a page, with an Invisalign focus, on what to look for when choosing a clinician, here.
This information is general in nature; the treatment that suits you is decided after an examination. For an appointment, you can call 0312 911 60 36 between 09:00 and 19:30, Monday to Saturday, or write on WhatsApp. We are closed on Sundays.