Why Choose a Specialist Orthodontist in Armadale Instead of a General Dentist
A specialist orthodontist has completed a dental degree plus an additional three years of full-time university training focused entirely on aligning teeth and jaws. A general dentist handles broader dental care, fillings, extractions, and root canal work, but has not had that focused orthodontic training. If you’re dealing with crooked teeth, bite problems, or jaw issues, seeing an orthodontist gives you a higher level of specialist care.
According to a 2025 peer-reviewed study, Australia had over 600 registered specialist orthodontists as of 2024; nearly four times as many as in 1979, reflecting how much demand for specialist orthodontic care has grown. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that around 30% of Australian 12–14-year-olds have severe or handicapping malocclusions that can benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontist vs General Dentist: What's the Difference?
A lot of people are unsure about the dentist vs orthodontist question, and that’s completely understandable. Both have dental degrees, both work in the mouth, but their training and focus are quite different.
A general dentist is your everyday oral health professional. They do teeth cleaning, fillings, root canals, extractions, and general dental care for patients of all ages. They’re your first stop for most dental problems and an important part of your ongoing dental care.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses specifically on the diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. They’re a specialist who focuses on aligning teeth and jaws; correcting bites, closing gaps, straightening crowding, and managing jaw development. While many general dentists offer some orthodontic services, they have not completed the same level of specialist training.
A quick look at what each does:
- General dentist: Fillings, root canals, teeth cleaning, crowns, general dental care
- Orthodontist: Braces, clear aligners, Invisalign, jaw correction, bite problems, complex cases
- Both may offer basic orthodontic services, but the depth of knowledge and experience differs significantly
Think of it this way: a GP and a cardiologist both studied medicine, but you’d see the specialist when the problem goes beyond general care.
The Extra Training That Makes an Orthodontist a Specialist
To become an orthodontist, a person first completes a dental degree, the same qualification that makes them a general dentist. But that’s just the starting point. To become an orthodontist in Australia, they then need to:
- Complete an AHPRA-registered general dental degree
- Work for at least two years as a practising dentist
- Complete three years of full-time university training specifically in orthodontics (the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry)
- Be registered as a specialist in orthodontics by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
That’s roughly 9–10 years of training beyond dental school before someone can call themselves a specialist orthodontist. All of those additional years of specialised study are focused on one thing: the diagnosis and treatment of teeth and jaw alignment.
According to Orthodontics Australia (the Australian Society of Orthodontists’ website), all registered specialist orthodontists must complete this accredited postgraduate degree and be registered as a specialist; there’s no shortcut.
This specialist training beyond dental school is exactly why a specialist orthodontist is so well-placed to handle complex cases that a general dentist may not feel confident managing.
When Your General Dentist May Refer You to an Orthodontist
Your general dentist is usually the first person to spot an issue with how your teeth or jaw are developing. In many cases, a dentist may refer you to an orthodontist rather than treat the problem themselves, and that’s actually a good sign. It means they’re putting your outcome first.
A general dentist, before starting orthodontic treatment, will check the basics and refer you on if the issue is beyond their scope. Here are the most common situations where your dentist should refer you:
- Significant crowding or spacing that needs precise treatment planning
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Jaw growth concerns in children or teens
- Issues affecting speech, breathing, or chewing
- Cases where Invisalign or braces need detailed case management
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
Many general dentists offer basic orthodontic services like simple aligner cases. But dentists have not completed the same depth of training, so for anything complex, or if you just want the most thorough assessment, visiting an orthodontist is the smarter choice.
Worth noting: you don’t need a referral to see a private specialist orthodontist. You can consult an orthodontist directly if you’re considering orthodontic treatment and want a second opinion or a more detailed look at what’s going on.
Why a Specialist Orthodontist Gets Better Results for Braces
When it comes to treatments like braces or clear aligners, specialists focus on matters. A specialist orthodontist spends their entire career on orthodontic treatment; it’s not one service among dozens, it’s the only thing they do.
Here’s why that makes a difference to your outcome:
- They see a high volume of cases, including complex dental situations a general dentist rarely encounters
- They have the knowledge and experience to provide precise diagnosis and treatment planning
- They understand the biomechanics of tooth movement and jaw development at a much deeper level
- They can offer the full range of orthodontic options: traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, clear aligners, Invisalign, and more
- They stay current with the latest advances in orthodontic care
Dentists offer basic orthodontic services in some practices, and for very straightforward cases, that can be fine. But if you’re considering orthodontic treatment that involves jaw correction, multiple appliances, or anything beyond mild crowding, the best treatment consistently comes from seeing a specialist.
The AIHW reported that Australians spent around $12.5 billion on dental services in 2022–23, underlining just how seriously Australians take their oral health. Choosing the right specialist means that the investment actually delivers the best results for you.
Specialist Orthodontists and the Role of Other Dental Specialists
Orthodontists don’t always work in isolation. Some dental issues involve more than just the teeth; they involve the jaw, the gums, or the bone structure underneath. That’s where other types of dental specialists come in.
The most common specialist an orthodontist works alongside is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This happens when a patient has significant jaw discrepancies that braces alone can’t correct; for example, where the upper and lower jaws are so misaligned that surgery is needed before or after orthodontic treatment. In these situations, the orthodontist and surgeon work together to provide the most complete outcome possible.
Other dental specialists who may be involved include:
- Periodontists, when gum health needs to be stabilised before or during orthodontic treatment
- Pediatric Dentistry, for younger patients who need dental care managed alongside their orthodontic issues
- Prosthodontists, when missing teeth need to be replaced as part of an overall treatment plan
This is one of the real strengths of seeing a specialist orthodontist; they understand how their work fits into the bigger picture of your dental health, and they know when to bring in other types of dental specialists to achieve the best results.
Choosing an Orthodontist in Armadale: What to Look For
If you’re looking at choosing an orthodontist in Armadale, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Are they a qualified orthodontist registered as a specialist with AHPRA? You can verify this on the AHPRA website.
- Are they a member of the Australian Society of Orthodontists? Members are held to clear professional and ethical standards.
- Do they offer a proper orthodontic consultation, not just a quick pitch?
- Do they provide a range of orthodontic treatments, including both braces and clear aligners like Invisalign?
- Are they clear about what’s involved in your treatment plan?
- Do they have experience handling complex cases relevant to your situation?
At Michael Wood Orthodontics in Armadale, orthodontic care is our entire focus. From traditional metal braces to Invisalign and clear aligners, we have the training and experience to handle complex cases with a level of precision that general dentists offering orthodontic services simply cannot match. We’re registered with AHPRA and proud members of the Australian Society of Orthodontists.
When to See a Dentist and When to Visit an Orthodontist
Not every dental issue needs an orthodontist, and not every orthodontic concern needs to go through your dentist first. Here’s a simple guide:
See a dentist when you:
- Need regular dental visits for check-ups or teeth cleaning
- Have a toothache, need a filling, or have a crown issue
- Need routine dental work, like a root canal or extraction
- Want to look after your gum health or manage dental problems early
Visit an orthodontist when you:
- Have crowded, crooked, or spaced teeth
- Have been told you need braces or clear aligners
- Notice bite problems; teeth not meeting properly when you close your mouth
- Have jaw pain, clicking, or discomfort
- Want to see an orthodontist for braces or straightening teeth
- You’re considering orthodontic treatment and want a specialist’s opinion
Remember: regular dental visits with your general dentist remain important even while you’re wearing braces or in the middle of orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist handles the tooth movement; your dentist handles your overall oral health and routine dental care. The two roles work hand in hand.
Ready to see a specialist orthodontist in Armadale?
Whether you’ve been referred by your general dentist or you’re coming in off your own back, the team at Michael Wood Orthodontics is here to help. We’ll assess your teeth and jaw properly, walk you through your treatment options, and give you a clear picture of what’s involved; no jargon, no pressure. Because when it comes to your smile, you deserve specialist orthodontic care from someone who does this every single day. Book your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a specialist orthodontist in Armadale?
No. You can book directly with a private specialist orthodontist without a referral. Your general dentist may refer you if they spot an issue, but it's entirely your call to make an appointment.
What's the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist when it comes to braces?
An orthodontist specialises in aligning teeth and jaws; it's all they do. A general dentist can offer some orthodontic services, but they have not completed the additional years of specialised university training that an orthodontist has. For complex cases, or if you want the most thorough orthodontic care, a specialist is the better choice.
How do I know if an orthodontist in Armadale is properly qualified?
Check that they are registered as a specialist with AHPRA and listed as a member of the Australian Society of Orthodontists. Any dentist can say they offer orthodontic services; only a registered specialist orthodontist has completed the full three-year accredited postgraduate qualification.
When would an orthodontist work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
When a patient has significant jaw discrepancies that braces or aligners alone can't fix. Surgery repositions the jaw; orthodontic treatment moves the teeth into the right position before and after. It's a coordinated approach for complex cases that go beyond what appliances can achieve on their own.
Leave a Reply