Periodontist vs Orthodontist - Who Should Consult First?

Lucky for us all, there are several different types of dentists that undergo extensive training to be able to address and treat specific dental issues that we may face. The American Dental Association (ADA) currently recognizes 12 dental specialties, including dental anesthesiology, dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, orofacial pain, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics.

Wondering which physician specializes in the treatment of gums? That would be a periodontist. Surprisingly, approximately 47% of adults 30 years old and older have some form of periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Another popular dental specialist is an orthodontist, who specializes in correcting malocclusions (bad bites) with appliances such as braces and clear aligners. According to research, approximately 4 million Americans are in braces.

It’s essential to understand the specific roles of dental specialists and the benefits of integrated dental care. In this article we will discuss all you need to know about a periodontist vs orthodontist.

Understanding Periodontists and Orthodontists

Understanding the responsibilities of dental specialists who are involved in the care of your oral health is important. This knowledge can help you better understand your dental treatment plan so that you can make informed treatment decisions. There are major differences between periodontists and orthodontists regarding their areas of expertise and treatments. Both dental specialists commonly collaborate to deliver optimal care.

What Does a Periodontist Specialize In?

Periodontic treatment focuses on:

Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the gums, jawbone, and teeth-supporting oral tissues.
Non-surgical and surgical services to improve dental health and esthetics.
Gingivitis and periodontal disease management
Dental implants
Scale and root planing (deep cleaning)
Gum graft and tissue surgery
Bone graft and surgery
Ridge augmentation
Laser treatments
Dental Crown Lengthening

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist, or orthopedic dentist, focuses on:

Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of teeth and jaw misalignment/malocclusion (i.e. teeth crowding, spacing, crossbites, open bites, deep bites, etc).
Non-surgical and surgical services to improve dental health and esthetics.
Braces (i.e. ceramic, metal, lingual)
Removable orthodontic appliances (i.e. retainers, functional appliances, headgear)
Clear aligners (i.e. Invisalign)
Palatal expanders
Orthognathic surgery cases
Facial growth and dental development

Key Differences Between Periodontists and Orthodontists

Aspect	Periodontist	Orthodontist
Specialization	Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the gums, jawbone, and teeth-supporting oral tissues.	Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of teeth and jaw misalignment/malocclusion.
Training	3-year certificate program/Masters in Dental Science	2 to 3-year certificate program/Masters in Dental Science
Common Procedures	Gingivitis and periodontal disease management Dental implants. Scale and root planing (deep cleaning) Gum graft and tissue surgery Bone graft and surgery Ridge augmentation Laser treatments Dental Crown Lengthening	Braces (i.e. ceramic, metal, lingual) Removable orthodontic appliances (i.e. retainers, functional appliances, headgear) Clear aligners (i.e. Invisalign) Palatal expanders Orthognathic surgery cases Facial growth and dental development
Focus Area	Supporting structures of the teeth, including gums and jawbone	Teeth, jaws, and facial structures

Importance of Integrated Dental Care

Integrated dental care helps provide you with comprehensive treatment for optimal oral and overall health. Orthodontists and periodontists often collaborate to help treat aesthetic and functional dental issues. Orthodontics and periodontics go hand-in-hand as orthodontic tooth movement relies on a healthy periodontium.

Collaborative Treatment

A periodontist vs general dentist vs orthodontist are all intricately linked. Collaboration amongst dentists and dental specialists, like a periodontist and orthodontist, can help enhance patient care and treatment outcomes. Medical errors are less likely to occur when there is an integrated team of dentists working together. Integrated care also allows individuals to make informed treatment choices and be at the center of their care.

Preventive Measures

Prevention is the best way to avoid extra trips to dental specialists. Maintaining good oral hygiene and your regular dental check-ups is essential to protecting your smile from harm. This includes regular brushing and flossing, eating healthy, and avoiding harmful oral habits like smoking, thumb-sucking, chewing on ice, using your teeth as tools, and brushing too hard. At your regular dental check-ups your dentist can detect oral issues and recommend optimal treatment before things worsen.

Quick Note From Great Lakes

As you can see, there are many differences between a periodontist vs orthodontist. The benefits of a collaborative care approach with these dental specialists are plentiful. Their unique training and expertise can help improve your oral health and dental treatment satisfaction. Speak with your dentist to determine if a dental specialist can assist you with your smile goals and oral care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs I might need to see a periodontist?

After a comprehensive examination from your general dentist, they may write you a referral to a periodontist if they determine that it is necessary. A periodontist vs dentist commonly collaborates to enhance your oral care. Signs and symptoms that you may need to see a periodontist include red, swollen, tender, and bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, and gum recession.

Can orthodontic work cause gum problems that require a periodontist?

Compromised oral health while undergoing orthodontic treatment can increase your risk of experiencing periodontal issues such as gum disease and gum recession. However, orthodontic work may improve periodontal health for some individuals.

How do I know if my child needs an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends having your child see an orthodontist for a consultation at age 7. Early warning signs that your child may require orthodontic treatment include early or late loss of baby teeth, misalignment of the jaws, teeth crowding, mouth breathing, cheek biting, speech problems, or having a history of oral habits like thumb-sucking.

What’s the difference in costs between periodontic and orthodontic treatments?

The cost of both periodontic and orthodontic treatment can vary greatly. On average, periodontal treatments range between $3,000-$6,000 without dental insurance. The average cost of orthodontic treatment is between $3,000-$7,000.

How often should I consult with these specialists?

Regular dental check-ups are necessary for preventing disease. If you are referred to a dental specialist, they will perform an initial consultation and develop an individualized treatment plan. They will inform you how often to schedule follow-up visits.