What is the Difference Between a General Dentist and an Orthodontist?

If you or your child are dealing with crooked teeth, misaligned bite, or noticeable jaw problems, you might be wondering: Do I need to see a general dentist, a pediatric dentist, or an orthodontist? It’s a common question—and one with a very clear answer.

Think of it this way:

• A general dentist focuses on overall oral health, including cleanings, fillings, and basic dental care.

• A pediatric dentist is like a general dentist for children—but with extra training in child development, behavior management, treating issues specific to growing mouths, and treating baby teeth.

• An orthodontist is a specialist with advanced training in straightening teeth, correcting bites, and guiding jaw development for all ages.

When it comes to treating issues like crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, overjet, or any other bite, jaw, and teeth alignment problems, the right specialist to see is always an orthodontist.

“Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws.”
— American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)

Expert Guidance from Board-Certified Orthodontist and UCLA Clinical Faculty, Dr. Amir Assefnia

Q: What Kind of Dentist Should I See for Misaligned Teeth, Bite Issues, or Jaw Problems?

If your teeth are crooked, your bite feels off, or your jaw isn’t growing the way it should — don’t settle for guesswork. You need an Orthodontist.

Orthodontists go through years of additional training after dental school to master how to safely move teeth and create healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.

Here’s why that matters for you:

• They don’t just guess—they see the big picture, from tooth alignment to facial balance.
• They build a custom treatment plan just for you—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• They guide your smile journey from start to finish—adjusting and perfecting along the way.
• And if they’re board-certified? That means they’ve gone the extra mile to prove their skill, knowledge, and commitment to top-quality care.

Bottom line, when it comes to something as personal and life-changing as your smile, trust the specialist who lives and breathes it every day. Choose a board-certified orthodontist—because your smile deserves more than average.

Q: Should I Rely on a General or Pediatric Dentist for Orthodontic Treatment?

General and pediatric dentists do not have the advanced training or specialized education in the science of tooth movement and orthodontics.
While some may offer quick orthodontic solutions like Invisalign, without the deep expertise of an orthodontist, this can lead to serious long-term problems and unpredictable results.

When it comes to your smile, don’t settle for shortcuts.
Trust a board-certified orthodontist—the specialist who understands the science behind the smile.

At Super Orthodontics, all orthodontic evaluations are personally performed by Dr. Amir Assefnia, a Board-Certified Orthodontist and UCLA Clinical Faculty. This hands-on approach reflects our commitment to excellence, precision, and the highest standard of care for you or your child.

Q: What Conditions Require an Orthodontist?

Below are some of the issues that you should definitely consult an Orthodontist:

• Crowded teeth
• Spacing or gaps between teeth
• Overbite (upper teeth stick out too far)
• Underbite (lower jaw juts forward)
• Crossbite (upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly)
• Overjet (upper front teeth angle outward)
• Open bite (front teeth don’t touch when you bite down)
• Jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing

These are complex problems involving both teeth and jaw bones—treatment requires precision, growth forecasting, and biomechanical expertise.

Q: Can My General Dentist Tell Me If My Child Needs Braces?

This is a very common (and understandable) question. While many responsible general dentists or pediatric dentists may notice early signs of orthodontic issues and refer your child to an orthodontist, they are not trained specialists in orthodontics.

It’s important to ensure that the actual evaluation is conducted by an orthodontist (preferably a Board-Certified Orthodontist). Orthodontists are uniquely trained to analyze jaw growth, bite function, and tooth alignment in ways general dentists may not. That’s why early care from an orthodontist can make all the difference in outcomes and long-term success.

“Only an orthodontist has the additional training and experience to diagnose and treat alignment and bite issues correctly.”
— American Dental Association (ADA)

Board certification is the highest level of achievement in orthodontics, awarded by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). It involves passing a rigorous written and clinical exam and presenting treated cases for review. Less than 40% of orthodontists complete this process.

“Board certification demonstrates the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.”
— American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)

Q: Why Choose Super Orthodontics for Your Orthodontic Treatment?

Dr. Amir Assefnia is a Board-Certified Orthodontist, clinical faculty at UCLA, and one of the highest-ranked Orthodontists nationwide. With years of advanced training and a deep commitment to excellence, Dr. Amir Assefnia has successfully treated thousands of children, teens, and adults throughout his career. His expertise spans everything from early intervention pediatric orthodontics to complex bite  and jaw correction for all ages, and his compassionate, patient-centered approach has earned him the trust of families and referring dentists alike.

Parents across Encino, Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley trust him for his honest and high-quality care, his exceptional academic and clinical background, and his leadership in adopting the most advanced orthodontic technologies. Dr. Amir Assefnia is recognized not only for delivering outstanding results but also for making treatment faster, more comfortable, and more precise for every patient.

At Super Orthodontics, we offer personalized orthodontic care designed to meet your specific needs. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Amir Assefnia today and take the first step toward achieving a healthier more confident smile.

Final Word: Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist—Not Just Any Dentist

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your long-term health, function, and confidence. You only get one smile—make sure it’s in the right hands.

If you’re looking for a trusted, experienced, and highly-ranked orthodontist , come see us at Super Orthodontics. Your perfect smile starts here.