Woman looking at her new smile in the mirror

Port City Ortho Explains the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist

How Choosing the Right Provider Can Make All the Difference in Your Treatment Results

Introduction

Meet the Doctors

Dentist vs Orthodontist: The Simple Difference

Training and Expertise: What Makes an Orthodontist a Specialist

What Each Provider Typically Treats

Can I Get Invisalign at a Dentist

Why Complex Cases Benefit From an Orthodontist

How We Evaluate Your Smile

Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Provider

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Results

Patient Spotlight

Why Choose Port City Ortho

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

If you have ever wondered, "Should I go to my dentist for braces or Invisalign®, or should I see an orthodontist?" you are asking a smart question. Both dentists and orthodontists play important roles in smile care, but they are not the same, and the difference matters most when you are investing in tooth movement, bite correction, and long-term stability.

At Port City Ortho, we help families across Wilmington in Mayfaire, Shipyard, Southport, and the surrounding communities understand their options with clarity and confidence. If you are considering braces, or clear aligners like Invisalign, the most important step is choosing the right provider for your specific needs. The right choice can mean a smoother experience, a healthier bite, and results you feel proud of for years.

Let us walk you through the real differences between a general dentist vs an orthodontist, what each provider is trained to do, and how to choose the best fit for your goals.

Meet the Doctors

At Port City Ortho, our care is led by Dr. Bill Gierie and Dr. Steven Hancock. Our team is known for a welcoming, patient-first experience and orthodontic treatment designed to support both aesthetics and function.

We offer modern orthodontic options, including braces and Invisalign, and we build every plan around a clear goal: help you achieve a straight smile that looks great, feels comfortable, and stays stable.

Dentist vs Orthodontist: The Simple Difference

Here is the simplest way to think about it:

A general dentist focuses on overall oral health, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, gum care, and preventive dentistry.
An orthodontist is a dentist (DDS or DMD) who has completed an additional 2 to 3 years of full-time, accredited orthodontic residency training after dental school, focused specifically on tooth movement, bite alignment, and jaw relationships.

Both providers care about your smile. The difference is specialization.

A general dentist is your primary dental home for long-term health maintenance. An orthodontist is your specialist for correcting alignment and bite issues with braces and clear aligners, such as Invisalign®.

Training and Expertise: What Makes an Orthodontist a Specialist

This is where the gap becomes clearer.

A general dentist completes:

Undergraduate education (varies)
Dental school

An orthodontist completes:

Dental school
Additional specialty residency training in orthodontics (often 2 to 3 years)
Focused clinical experience in diagnosing and correcting complex alignment and bite problems

That extra training matters because orthodontic treatment is not only about straight teeth. It is about how teeth move through bone, how the bite functions, and how to manage forces to ensure stable results.

Why This Matters for You

If you want a straight smile that also feels comfortable and functions well, you want a provider who is trained to:

Diagnose bite issues that are easy to miss
Plan tooth movement in a way that protects your enamel and gums
Anticipate how your bite will settle after treatment
Manage complex cases and mid-course adjustments

That is what orthodontic specialty training is designed to do.

What Each Provider Typically Treats

Dentists and orthodontists can overlap in certain services, but the core focus is different.

What a General Dentist Typically Treats

Preventive care (cleanings, exams)
Cavities and fillings
Crowns and bridges
Gum health support and referrals
Tooth pain evaluation and general oral health management

What an Orthodontist Typically Treats

Crowding and spacing
Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
Open bites and deep bites
Jaw alignment and functional bite issues
Braces (traditional braces and, in many cases, aesthetic options)
Clear aligners, also referred to as clear trays, including Invisalign
Retention and long-term stability planning

Quick Callout

If you are choosing between providers for orthodontic treatment, ask yourself:

Are you looking for minor alignment only, or do you also want bite correction and long-term stability?

That one question usually points you in the right direction.

Can I Get Invisalign at a Dentist

Yes, sometimes you can. Some general dentists offer Invisalign or clear aligners.

However, not all Invisalign® cases are the same.

Some cases involve:

Bite correction, not just cosmetic straightening
Tooth movement that needs close monitoring
Jaw relationships that influence comfort and stability
Complex finishing details that affect how your smile looks and functions

Clear aligners can be an excellent tool, but the outcome depends on diagnosis, planning, and execution. That is why choosing an expert in braces and aligners matters.

When Invisalign® Is Better Handled by an Orthodontist

Bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, deep bite)
Crowding that requires precise staging and space management
Cases that may need attachments, elastics, or advanced biomechanics
Patients who have had relapse after braces
Cases involving extractions or significant tooth movement
Situations where finishing details and bite stability are priorities

If you are asking, "Can I get Invisalign at a dentist?" the more important question is:

"Do I want my tooth movement and bite correction planned by a specialist who has 2 to 3 additional years of orthodontic training?"

Because Invisalign is not just about straightening teeth. It is about how your bite fits, how teeth move safely, and how stable your results will be long-term. Our team helps you get a clear diagnosis and a plan built for the best finish, not just the fastest start.

Why Complex Cases Benefit From an Orthodontist

When you move teeth, you are changing how your bite fits, how your jaw closes, and how forces are distributed. That is why complex cases benefit from specialist-level planning.

Common "Hidden" Complexities

Some smiles look simple but are not. Examples include:

Crowding that masks a bite issue
Spacing that is connected to jaw relationship
A straight-looking smile that still bites unevenly
A history of clenching, grinding, or jaw discomfort
Teeth that tip into position but do not settle into a stable bite

These are the cases where expert evaluation can prevent frustration later.

Why It Matters in Real Life

A plan that focuses only on straightening can sometimes leave you with:

Teeth that look straight but bite awkwardly
Relapse risk due to unstable finishing
Uneven wear over time
Discomfort or sensitivity from imbalanced forces

Our goal is not just a straight smile. It is a straight smile that fits.

How We Evaluate Your Smile

At Port City Ortho, we evaluate alignment and bite together. We want to know not only how your teeth look, but also how they function.

What We Look At

Tooth alignment (crowding, spacing, rotation)
Bite relationship (how upper and lower teeth fit)
Jaw alignment and bite shifts
Wear patterns that signal imbalance
Gum and bone support considerations
Your goals, concerns, and lifestyle preferences

What You Leave With

A clear explanation of what we see
Your treatment options (braces, Invisalign, aligners)
A plan designed for stability and comfort
Next steps that feel simple and exciting. You’re on the right path of your new smile journey. We celebrate with you and cheer for you every step of the way.

If you have been searching for "general dentist vs orthodontist" or "expert in braces," this is the moment where the difference becomes practical. You get a plan built by a specialist team.

Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Provider

If you are deciding where to start treatment, these questions help you choose confidently.

Top Picks

Is my case cosmetic, functional, or both?
If bite correction is involved, orthodontic specialty care often makes the most sense.
How will you evaluate my bite and jaw alignment?
You want more than a quick glance. Bite drives comfort and stability.
What options do I have: braces, Invisalign, or other clear aligners?
The best option depends on your smile, not trends.
What is the plan for finishing and long-term stability?
Great results are about the finish, not just the demonstrated progress.
How often will my plan be monitored and adjusted?
Tooth movement is dynamic. Good monitoring protects outcomes.
What happens if my case becomes more complex mid-treatment?
You want a provider who can pivot and manage complexity.
What is the retention plan after treatment?
Retainers protect your investment.

Social Challenge

Try this quick decision challenge: Write down your top three goals for treatment.

Examples: "Fix my bite," "Straighten my front teeth," "Get a confident smile for photos."

Bring that list to your consultation. It helps us match your goals to the right plan quickly.

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Results

These tips help you get the most value from orthodontic treatment, no matter what option you choose.

Pro Tips

Do Not Choose a Provider Based on Price Alone
Orthodontic treatment is a medical service, not a commodity. Diagnosis and planning matter.
Ask About Bite Correction, Not Just Straightening
A straight smile can still bite poorly if bite relationships are not addressed.
If You Are Comparing Invisalign Providers, Ask About Experience With Complex Cases
Clear trays can do a lot, but case planning is the differentiator.
Commit to Retention
Retainers are not optional if you want results to last.
Choose a Team That Communicates Clearly
Confidence grows when you understand the plan.

Patient Spotlight

A patient came in after being told they were a "quick aligner case." They wanted a straight smile, but they also mentioned fatigue when chewing and occasional jaw tightness. After evaluating their bite, we found that alignment alone would not solve the problem. Bite balance was the missing piece.

We built a plan that focused on both aesthetics and function. As treatment progressed, the patient noticed improvements in comfort and bite stability, not just appearance. The final result was a straight smile that looked great and felt right.

That is the difference the right provider can make. When the plan fits the problem, results feel better in every way.

Why Choose Port City Ortho

Choosing orthodontic treatment is a big decision. You deserve a team that combines expertise with a patient experience that feels supportive from start to finish.

At Port City Ortho, you can expect:

Specialist-led care from Dr. Bill Gierie and Dr. Steven Hancock
Treatment options, including braces and Invisalign
Careful attention to bite function, comfort, and stability
A friendly team that explains every step clearly
Convenient locations serving North Carolina in Wilmington (Mayfaire and Shipyard), Southport and the surrounding communities

Conclusion

Dentists and orthodontists both play important roles in smile care, but they are not interchangeable. A general dentist protects your oral health and supports your long-term wellness. An orthodontist specializes in tooth movement, bite correction, and alignment strategies that help your results look great and stay stable.

If you are considering braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, the best first step is a clear evaluation. At Port City Ortho, we help you understand what your smile needs, what your options are, and what will lead to the strongest long-term outcome.

If you are ready to take the next step, we would love to help. Visit us at portcityorthodontist.com and call us to schedule your consultation.

Wilmington (Mayfaire): 910-256-8590
Wilmington (Shipyard): 910-452-7988
Southport: 910-457-0020

Your new smile deserves specialist-level planning and a team that makes the process feel clear, comfortable, and encouraging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

A dentist focuses on overall oral health, including cleanings, fillings, and preventive care. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialty training focused on tooth movement, bite alignment, and jaw relationships.

Can I get Invisalign at a dentist?

Sometimes, yes. Many dentists offer Invisalign. The key is whether your case is simple or includes bite issues that require specialist-level planning and monitoring.

Do orthodontists only do braces?

No. Orthodontists often offer braces and clear aligners, including Invisalign. The best option depends on your alignment needs and bite goals.

Is an orthodontist better for complex cases?

Often, yes. Complex cases involving bite correction, jaw alignment, crossbites, open bites, and significant crowding benefit from specialist training and experience.

What should I ask before starting orthodontic treatment?

Ask about bite evaluation, treatment options, monitoring frequency, finishing details, and the retention plan. These topics protect both results and long-term stability.