Should I Choose an Orthodontist or Dentist 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 in Dallas?” 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.
Learn more about Orthodontics for Children.
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
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
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 options on our For Children and Types of Braces pages.
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 or call (972) 503-0400.