Should I Choose a Dentist or Orthodontist in Dallas to do my Braces?

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When it’s time to straighten your child’s teeth or finally address your own smile concerns, many families wonder: “Should I see my regular dentist or find an orthodontist?” It’s a common question at the start of the orthodontic journey.

Both dentists and orthodontists care deeply about your oral health, but their training and focus are different. Knowing those differences can help you make the best choice for your family’s smile.

Dentists: Your Everyday Oral Health Partners

General dentists are the primary providers for routine dental care. After completing dental school, they’re trained to:

  • Perform cleanings and exams

  • Fill cavities and treat decay

  • Provide crowns, bridges, and root canals

  • Extract teeth

  • Treat gum disease

  • Educate patients about prevention

Think of your dentist as your family’s doctor for oral health. They’re essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy and catching problems early.

Orthodontists: Specialists in Alignment

Orthodontists also attend dental school but go on to complete 2–3 years of additional residency focused entirely on tooth movement, bite correction, and facial development. Their advanced training covers:

  • Diagnosing misaligned teeth and jaw issues

  • Designing treatment plans for bite correction

  • Understanding facial growth and airway health

  • Moving teeth with braces, aligners, and appliances

  • Managing complex cases, sometimes alongside oral surgeons

  • Treating TMJ (jaw joint) concerns

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), only about 6% of dentists go on to become orthodontists. That specialization makes a big difference in complex cases.

The Extra Step: Board Certification

Not all orthodontists are board certified. This credential comes from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) and requires additional testing and case review.

A board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Lauren Carney has demonstrated advanced clinical skills, presented real patient results, and committed to ongoing education. Only about half of practicing orthodontists achieve this distinction, which is why families often seek it out when choosing a provider.

Why Specialized Training Matters

Seeing the Bigger Picture

Orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth. An orthodontist looks at bite function, jaw health, facial growth, and airway concerns. For example, they can determine:

  • How your child’s jaw growth may affect future treatment

  • Whether early intervention can prevent surgery

  • How alignment impacts breathing or TMJ health

  • The best timing for braces or aligners

Managing Complex Cases

Some orthodontic cases are simple, but many involve challenges such as:

  • Severe crowding or spacing

  • Crossbites and open bites

  • Impacted or missing teeth

  • Jaw discrepancies needing surgical coordination

  • TMJ disorders

  • Orthodontic relapse from past treatment

While general dentists may manage simple alignment, orthodontists are trained to handle these complicated scenarios from start to finish.

Using Advanced Techniques

Orthodontics evolves quickly with new appliances, clear aligner technology, and digital treatment planning. Specialists stay up to date on the latest approaches. At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, patients benefit from:

  • 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners

  • Digital scans and specialized treatment planning

  • Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) for precise movement

  • Myofunctional therapy support when needed

This focus leads to more efficient treatment, often with shorter timelines and better results.

Prevention and Early Care

One of the biggest advantages of seeing an orthodontist is prevention. The AAO recommends children be evaluated by age 7. Early exams can reveal growth or bite problems before they become severe.

Early evaluation may identify:

  • Jaw growth concerns easier to correct in childhood

  • Thumb-sucking or habits that affect bite

  • Airway or breathing issues

  • Crowding that may worsen without treatment

Sometimes early treatment begins right away (interceptive orthodontics). In other cases, Dr. Carney simply monitors growth and advises the best timing for braces later.

What to Expect from a Specialist’s Office

An orthodontic practice is designed around braces and aligners. That means:

  • Teams trained exclusively in orthodontics

  • Specialized technology for imaging and treatment planning

  • Appointment schedules built for frequent adjustments

  • Emergency visits available for broken brackets or aligner issues

At our Dallas office, families also appreciate the comfortable environment, flexible scheduling, and the way we make treatment fun for kids and teens.

Choosing the Right Dallas Orthodontist

If you’ve decided to see a specialist, here’s what to look for:

Essential Qualifications

  • Completion of an orthodontic residency

  • AAO membership

  • Board certification

  • Ongoing continuing education

Other Considerations

  • Experience with kids, teens, and adult treatment

  • Range of options: braces, aligners, and clear appliances

  • Positive reviews and trusted referrals

  • Flexible payment and insurance support

Red Flags

  • Providers offering orthodontics without residency training

  • Pressure to start treatment same-day without records

  • Unrealistic promises of very short treatment times

The Value of Orthodontic Care

Families sometimes hesitate because of cost. While orthodontic treatment is an investment, specialized care can actually save money long-term by preventing complications, avoiding retreatment, and achieving lasting results.

At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, we help by offering:

  • Free initial consultations

  • Clear, upfront cost estimates

  • Flexible payment options

  • Insurance coordination

Learn more on our Financial Info page.

Orthodontics for All Ages

  • Children: Orthodontists guide growth and development, making sure permanent teeth have the best chance to erupt properly.

  • Teens: Braces or aligners help build confidence during a crucial stage of life.

  • Adults: It’s never too late to improve your smile, even if you’ve had braces before.

Explore more about treatment for each age group on our For Children page and Types of Braces.

Take the Next Step with Dr. Carney

Choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist isn’t about one being better than the other—it’s about choosing the right specialist for alignment and bite care.

At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, Dr. Carney combines board-certified expertise with a friendly, patient-first approach. From your first free consultation through your final smile reveal, our team is here to make orthodontics straightforward, comfortable, and effective.

Schedule your visit today on our New Patients page or call (972) 503-0400!