Orthodontist vs. Orthopedist: What’s the Difference (And Which One Do You Need?)

By Jonathan L. Nicozisis, DMD, MS

Orthodontist and orthopedist sound surprisingly similar, but they are two very different healthcare specialists. An orthodontist treats problems involving the position of the teeth, bite, and jaw alignment, while an orthopedist treats conditions involving the body’s bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

The confusion is understandable because both specialties deal with alignment, growth, and supporting structures. The important difference is the part of the body they treat and the professional training they complete.

At Princeton Orthodontics, our focus is orthodontic care, including correcting crowded or spaced teeth, improving bite relationships, monitoring jaw development, and using treatments such as braces and Invisalign to guide teeth into healthier positions.

What Is the Difference Between an Orthodontist and an Orthopedist?

The simplest way to distinguish orthodontist vs. orthopedist is by looking at what each specialist treats.

An orthodontist is a dentist who completes additional specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics after dental school. The American Association of Orthodontists explains that orthodontists specialize in the proper alignment of the teeth and jaws as well as guidance of facial and jaw development.

An orthopedist, also called an orthopedic or orthopaedic surgeon, is a medical doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes orthopedic surgeons as specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders involving bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Here is the difference at a glance:

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

Orthodontists diagnose and treat conditions involving how teeth are positioned and how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other.

You might see an orthodontist for:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Teeth that have shifted after previous treatment
• Problems with jaw growth or dental development

Treatment may involve braces, clear aligners, retainers, expanders, or other orthodontic appliances depending on the patient’s age and specific needs.

Orthodontic treatment is not solely cosmetic. Improving tooth and bite alignment can also help the teeth function together more effectively and make certain areas easier to keep clean.

What Does an Orthopedist Do?

An orthopedist works with the musculoskeletal system throughout the body.

For example, you might see one if you have:

• A broken bone
• Knee or hip pain
• A sports injury
• Arthritis
• A torn ligament or tendon
• Shoulder or elbow problems
• Hand or wrist injuries
• Foot or ankle conditions
• Certain spinal conditions

Some orthopedists treat a broad range of musculoskeletal problems, while others specialize in areas such as the spine, knee, hip, shoulder, hand, or foot and ankle.

Despite the similar names, an orthopedic doctor would not normally be the provider you see to straighten teeth or correct an orthodontic bite problem.

Do Orthodontists Work on Bones or Just Teeth?

This is where the distinction becomes a little more interesting.

Orthodontic treatment involves changes in the bone surrounding the teeth as the teeth move. In growing patients, some orthodontic treatments may also help guide jaw development.

Orthodontists also study jaw growth and facial development. This area is known as dentofacial orthopedics.

For growing children, an orthodontist may sometimes use treatment to influence how the jaws develop or create room for developing teeth. That is one reason an early orthodontic evaluation can be helpful even before all the permanent teeth have appeared.

So if you are wondering whether orthodontists treat “bones or teeth,” the answer is that they primarily specialize in teeth and jaws, including the supporting bone and facial growth that affect orthodontic alignment.

Orthodontist vs. Orthopedist: Which One Should You See?

Start with the part of your body causing the problem.

See an orthodontist if:

Your concern involves tooth alignment, your bite, crowded teeth, spacing, jaw growth, or whether you need braces or clear aligners.

See an orthopedist if:

Your concern involves bones or joints elsewhere in the body, such as a fracture, knee injury, shoulder pain, arthritis, or a musculoskeletal sports injury.

See your dentist first if:

Your concern is primarily a cavity, toothache, gum problem, broken tooth, or another general oral health issue. A dentist can treat many dental problems and refer you to an orthodontist when alignment or bite correction is needed.

Occasionally, a health concern involves several professionals. Complex jaw conditions, for example, may require coordination between an orthodontist and other dental or medical specialists.

For surgical conditions involving the jaws, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may also be involved. Orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons often work together when jaw position affects the bite.

How Do You Know If You Need an Orthodontist?

You do not have to diagnose an orthodontic problem yourself before scheduling an evaluation.

Consider seeing an orthodontist if you notice:

1. Crowded or overlapping teeth: Teeth may not have enough room to align normally.
2. Large spaces between teeth: Gaps can occur for several developmental reasons.
3. Your bite does not fit comfortably: The upper and lower teeth may meet unevenly.
4. Your teeth have shifted: Previous orthodontic results can change when retainers are not worn or as the mouth changes over time.
5. Your child’s teeth or jaws seem to be developing unevenly: Early evaluation can help determine whether treatment is needed now or whether monitoring is enough.
6. You are considering braces or clear aligners: An orthodontist can compare appropriate treatment options based on the movements your teeth actually require.

Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment too. Depending on the problem and your preferences, adult orthodontic treatment may involve braces, Invisalign, or another individualized approach.

Find the Right Specialist for Your Smile

Knowing the difference between an orthodontist and an orthopedist can save you from starting with the wrong type of specialist. If the problem involves tooth position, bite alignment, or jaw development, an orthodontist is generally the appropriate place to begin.

At Princeton Orthodontics, we evaluate the teeth, bite, and jaws before recommending treatment and can help you understand whether Invisalign, braces, or another orthodontic approach fits your needs.

Schedule a complimentary consultation to have your smile and bite evaluated and get clear answers about your orthodontic treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an orthodontist the same as an orthopedist?

No. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who treats tooth and jaw alignment, while an orthopedist is a medical specialist who treats the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

What does an orthodontist do vs. an orthopedist?

An orthodontist straightens teeth, corrects bite problems, and manages jaw development. An orthopedist diagnoses and treats conditions such as fractures, joint problems, sports injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Do orthodontists work on bone?

Yes. Orthodontic tooth movement involves the bone surrounding the teeth, and orthodontists also evaluate jaw growth and development. Their focus, however, is the teeth, jaws, bite, and facial structures rather than bones throughout the body.

Is an orthodontist a bone doctor?

Not in the same sense as an orthopedist. Orthodontists are dental specialists trained in tooth movement, bite correction, and jaw development. Orthopedists are medical doctors specializing in the musculoskeletal system.

What is the difference between an orthodontist and an orthopedic surgeon?

Their training and scope of care are different. Orthodontists complete dental school followed by specialist orthodontic training. Orthopedic surgeons complete medical training and specialize in musculoskeletal conditions, including surgical and nonsurgical treatment.

Should I see a dentist or orthodontist for crooked teeth?

An orthodontist specializes specifically in correcting tooth and bite alignment. Your general dentist may identify the concern and recommend an orthodontic evaluation, while an orthodontist plans and manages the actual tooth movement.