How do you know whether you need to see a dentist or an orthodontist? What signs might indicate you’ll need orthodontic treatment in the future? Vhi Chief Dental Officer, Dr Gina Kilfeather, explains all you need to know. 

Should I see a dentist or orthodontist first?

Normally, you will go to see your dentist first so they can check the health of your teeth and gums. They will also decide if you need to be referred to an orthodontist for treatment. If you go to an orthodontist first, they won’t do any orthodontic treatment unless your teeth and gums are healthy. Once the dentist has done any necessary treatment or restorative work to your teeth or gums, such as cleaning or fillings, they can then refer you to an orthodontist to look at the alignment of your teeth or jaw. 

Can a dentist do invisalign?

Some general dentists do extra training that allows them to perform some orthodontic treatments, such as invisalign. However, a lot of orthodontic cases can be complex and would be best treated by a specialist orthodontist. That’s why it's always good to go to a general dentist first, because they will tell you if your case is better treated by an orthodontist.

What are the main reasons people see an orthodontist?

For children and teens, the most common reasons for needing to see an orthodontist are:

• Crowding of teeth: This can happen if your child’s mouth is too small to comfortably fit all their teeth. This can cause teeth to overlap, or it can even prevent some teeth from growing out of the gums at all.  
• Bite: There can be misalignment in the jaw, either on the top or bottom. If either is too big for the other, it can affect how and where the teeth sit, impacting how your child chews. As a result of this misalignment, your child might have an underbite or overbite. This imbalance can put extra pressure on some teeth, leading to cracks, wear or discomfort. 

For adults (and children and teens in many cases), aesthetics is a common reason for orthodontic treatment. If you’re not happy with the appearance of your teeth due to their placement, bite or overcrowding, and orthodontist can help with repositioning or moving your teeth. 

This is different to getting veneers, which your dentist can do. Veneers are placed on teeth to improve appearance, but the teeth themselves aren’t repositioned. So, many people may get orthodontic treatment first to help with overcrowding and then get veneers on some teeth to improve appearance, if they wish. 

What signs or symptoms should people be mindful of developing into orthodontic problems over time?

Mild crowding or movement of the teeth is something that progresses as we get older, so it’s worth speaking to your dentist if you notice this. It’s more common for the lower front teeth to overlap because our lower jaw gets slightly smaller over time. That kind of crowding can get worse over time and the teeth become harder to clean, leading to cavities, gum issues, and poor function. Aside from functionality problems, you may not be happy with how they look. Although this can quite a slow progression, it’s good to be mindful of. Keep up with your dental checkups and your dentist will highlight any changes to your oral health that would benefit from early intervention. 

This content is for information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your GP or an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your health or before commencing a new healthcare regime. If you believe that you are experiencing a medical emergency call 999 / 112 or seek emergency assistance immediately.