Orthodontist vs. Dentist for Braces: What’s the Difference?

More general dentists now offer clear aligner treatment as part of their practice. For families researching their options, this creates a genuine question: what’s the difference between going to a dentist for braces and going to an orthodontic specialist? The distinction matters more than most families realize, and it’s worth understanding before making a decision.

Families in Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas, deserve a straight answer to this question.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completed an accredited orthodontic residency of two to three years after dental school, focused exclusively on diagnosing and treating misalignment, bite problems, and jaw discrepancies. A general dentist who offers braces or aligners has not completed this specialty training. Board Certification by the American Board of Orthodontics adds a further layer of peer-reviewed clinical and written examination beyond the residency. Only one in three orthodontists in the United States is Board Certified.

The Training Difference

Both orthodontists and dentists complete dental school, which provides a strong foundation in oral health, but does not include in-depth training in the biomechanics of tooth movement, jaw development, or complex bite correction. Orthodontists then complete an additional two to three years of full-time, accredited residency training focused entirely on orthodontics. During that residency, they treat a high volume of orthodontic cases across all levels of complexity under direct supervision.

General dentists who offer aligner treatment, such as Invisalign, have typically completed a manufacturer-provided training course. That training is valuable for straightforward cases, but it is not equivalent to two to three years of specialty education and clinical experience.

The Case for Board Certification

Board Certification by the American Board of Orthodontics is the highest voluntary credential in the specialty. It requires passing a rigorous series of written and clinical examinations and a comprehensive credential review, and it must be renewed every ten years. Dr. R. Baker Rawlins II is Board Certified by the ABO and is one of only a few Board-Certified orthodontists in Delaware and the surrounding region. He holds a Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated second in his class, and a Master of Science in Orthodontics from Columbia University.

When Dr. Rawlins treats a case, he applies specialized training, clinical experience, and an ongoing commitment to recertification that goes beyond the minimum required to practice.

Specialist Advantages

The advantages of seeing an orthodontic specialist are most visible in two areas: diagnosis and complexity management. An orthodontist’s training includes diagnosing issues that may not be apparent on the surface, such as developing bite problems in children, jaw width discrepancies, and root angulation concerns. A general dentist primarily treating restorative and preventive care may not catch these issues as early or as reliably.

For complex cases involving significant bite correction, skeletal issues, or cases that require coordination with oral surgeons or other specialists, an orthodontist has the training and referral relationships to manage the full picture. Straightforward alignment cases may be handled adequately by a trained general dentist, but there’s no reliable way to know how straightforward a case is without a specialist evaluation.

Why Dr. Rawlins Chose Orthodontics

Dr. Rawlins made a deliberate choice to specialize. He completed his undergraduate studies at Penn State as Valedictorian of the Eberly College of Science, then pursued his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania before committing to three additional years at Columbia University specifically to master orthodontics. That path reflects a commitment to doing one thing at the highest possible level.

“Everyone deserves the self-confidence that comes with a beautiful smile,” Dr. Rawlins has said. “I chose orthodontics because I believe in the transformation it creates and the lasting impact it has on people’s lives. Specializing means I can deliver that at the highest standard every single time.”

When to See Each Provider

Your general dentist is your first line of care for overall oral health, cleanings, cavities, and routine checkups. When orthodontic treatment is needed, seeing a specialist provides the most thorough evaluation, the widest range of treatment options, and the most experienced clinical judgment. For children, the AAO recommends a first orthodontic evaluation at age seven, regardless of whether the general dentist has flagged anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Invisalign from my general dentist?

Yes, some general dentists offer Invisalign. For mild to moderate cases, this can be a reasonable option. For anything more complex, an orthodontic specialist has the training and clinical experience to manage the case with greater precision. We recommend a consultation with a Board-Certified orthodontist before making the decision, especially for teens and children.

Do orthodontists cost more than dentists for braces?

Not necessarily. The investment for orthodontic treatment at a specialist practice is often comparable to what a general dentist charges for the same treatment. The specialist brings significantly more training, clinical experience, and diagnostic capability to the case. The investment is similar; the expertise is not.

What if my dentist said I don’t need an orthodontist?

Dentists and orthodontists evaluate the same anatomy from different training perspectives. If you have a concern about alignment, bite, or your child’s development, a free consultation with Dr. Rawlins gives you a specialist opinion. It’s not an either/or relationship. Most of our patients have strong relationships with their dentist and come to us specifically for the orthodontic component.

Does it matter if an orthodontist is board certified?

Yes, it matters. Board Certification is the profession’s highest voluntary standard and requires examination by peers. It signals a commitment beyond the minimum required to practice. Only one in three orthodontists pursues it. Dr. Rawlins sought Board Certification because he believes every patient deserves to know they’re receiving care at the highest verified level.

See a Board-Certified Orthodontic Specialist

We serve families throughout Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas. Schedule your free consultation online at RawlinsOrthodontics.com/appointment-request or call us at (302) 239-3531. You’re in good hands with our Rockstar Team, and we’ll walk you through everything.

About Rawlins Orthodontics

Rawlins Orthodontics is a family-owned, Board-Certified orthodontic practice serving Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas. R. Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS has cared for thousands of patients since 2011 and is named annually as one of Delaware’s Top Orthodontists by Delaware Today Magazine. We offer braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and early intervention orthodontics for children and adults.

Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Rawlins at RawlinsOrthodontics.com.

5500 Skyline Drive, Suite 1, Wilmington, DE 19808

(302) 239-3531 | RawlinsOrthodontics.com

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