When it comes to your smile, you want to be confident you’re in the right hands. Both dentists and orthodontists play important roles in keeping your mouth healthy, but their training and focus are quite different.
An orthodontist is a specialist dentist who has completed extra university training focused entirely on teeth and jaw alignment. After becoming a general dentist, orthodontists study for an additional three years, full-time to become experts in:
In other words, orthodontists don’t just “make teeth straight” — they look at the bigger picture, designing a healthy smile that works in harmony with your bite and facial profile.
Book an appointmentOrthodontic treatment is about more than appearance. A healthy bite improves chewing, speech, comfort, and long-term dental health.
By choosing a specialist orthodontist, you benefit from someone who can:
There are many quick-fix or “DIY” options advertised today, but these may skip important steps, lack scientific backing, and sometimes lead to relapse or further problems.
Seeing a registered specialist gives you peace of mind that your treatment is planned with your long-term health and stability in mind.
Many private health funds recognise specialist orthodontists as providing a higher standard of care. In some cases, you may receive greater rebates when your treatment is provided by a registered specialist. Our team will help you understand your cover and make the most of your health fund benefits.
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Dentists and orthodontists each bring unique expertise to patient care. General dentists provide comprehensive dental care, from regular check-ups, cleans, and fillings through to more complex treatments such as crowns, root canals, and extractions.
Orthodontists focus specifically on diagnosing and treating problems with the alignment of teeth and jaws. By working together, dentists and orthodontists ensure patients receive complete, well-coordinated care, addressing both overall oral health and specialised orthodontic needs.
| Role | Dentist | Orthodontist |
|---|---|---|
| Training | 5+ years of general dental education | 5+ years general + 3 years full-time orthodontic specialisation |
| Scope | General oral health: check-ups, cleans, fillings, preventive and restorative care | Teeth and jaw alignment, braces, clear aligners, bite correction |
| Focus | Preventing and repairing tooth problems | Designing functional bites, healthy jaw alignment, balanced smiles |
| Specialist? | Some dentists complete specialist programs (e.g. periodontics, endodontics) | Yes, registered as a Specialist Orthodontist with AHPRA |
To become a registered orthodontic specialist in Australia, a practitioner must:
This extensive training means orthodontists are the most qualified professionals to safely and effectively move teeth, correct bites, and guide jaw growth.
You don’t need a referral to see our specialist orthodontists.
Book online or call our Liverpool or Carlingford practices to arrange a consultation, we are here to answer your questions and guide you through your options. Referrals are always welcome.
Please note filling in this form doesn’t guarantee your desired date or time. One of our team members will be in touch to confirm your appointment.