Your dentist and orthodontist may seem like two separate people doing two separate jobs. However, when they work closely together, the results for your oral health can be truly remarkable. This article explains how that teamwork works, why it matters, and what it means for your smile and your overall health.
Why Oral Health Is About More Than Just Your Teeth
Your mouth is a window into the rest of your body. According to the World Health Organization, oral health is a key part of overall health and well-being. Problems in your mouth can affect your digestion, your breathing, and even your heart health.
In Canada, many people only visit a dental professional when something hurts. However, waiting for pain is never the best approach. Regular checkups help catch problems early, before they become more serious and more costly to treat.
Most dental experts recommend visiting your dentist at least once every six months. These visits allow your dental team to spot issues early, clean away plaque and tartar, and keep your mouth in its best shape.
What Does a General Dentist Actually Do?
Your general dentist is usually your first point of contact for all things oral health. Think of them like your family doctor, but for your teeth and gums. They examine, diagnose, and treat a wide range of dental conditions.
During a routine checkup, your dentist will look for cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, and signs of infection. They will also take X-rays when needed to see what is happening beneath the surface.
Furthermore, your dentist is often the first professional to notice when something is not quite right with your bite or the alignment of your teeth. This is where the important relationship between your dentist and orthodontist begins.
Preventive Care: Your Best Defence
Preventive dental care includes regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental X-rays. These tools help your dental team catch problems before they grow. Health Canada supports community water fluoridation as a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay.
In addition, your dentist will advise you on proper brushing and flossing habits at home. Good daily habits, combined with professional cleanings, are the foundation of a healthy mouth.
What Does an Orthodontist Do Differently?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the alignment of your teeth and jaw. After completing dental school, orthodontists complete two to three additional years of specialist training. This extra education prepares them to correct issues that go beyond what a general dentist handles.
Orthodontists diagnose and treat conditions such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. These are known as malocclusions, which simply means the teeth do not fit together properly when you bite down.
Left untreated, these problems can cause jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and even trouble speaking clearly. Therefore, orthodontic care is about much more than cosmetics. It directly affects how well your mouth functions every day.
Modern Orthodontic Treatments Available in Canada
Today’s orthodontic treatments have come a long way from the bulky metal braces of the past. Canadians now have access to a wide range of modern options that are more comfortable, faster, and less noticeable than ever before.
Common orthodontic treatments include:
Traditional metal braces — reliable and effective for all types of alignment issues
Ceramic braces — similar to metal braces but tooth-coloured for a more discreet look
Lingual braces — attached to the back of the teeth so they are hidden from view
Clear aligners — removable, transparent trays that gradually shift teeth into place
Each treatment option has its own benefits depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s lifestyle. Your orthodontist will recommend the best approach for your specific needs.
How Your Dentist and Orthodontist Work Together
The collaboration between your dentist and orthodontist is one of the most important partnerships in modern dental care. Here is how it typically works in practice across Canada.
Your journey usually starts with your general dentist. During a routine checkup, they may notice that your teeth are crowded, your bite is off, or your jaw is not aligned properly. At that point, your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist for a specialist consultation.
This referral process is similar to how your family doctor refers you to a specialist when needed. Your dentist shares your records, X-rays, and clinical notes with the orthodontist so that care is continuous and well-coordinated.
Preparing Your Teeth Before Orthodontic Treatment
Before your orthodontic treatment can begin, your general dentist plays a crucial role. Any existing dental problems must be treated first. For example, cavities must be filled, gum disease must be managed, and damaged teeth must be repaired.
Starting orthodontic treatment on an unhealthy mouth can lead to complications and even treatment failure. Therefore, your dentist and orthodontist will communicate closely to make sure your teeth and gums are ready before braces or aligners are placed.
This preparation phase is not just a formality. It is a critical step that protects your long-term oral health and helps ensure the best possible outcome from your orthodontic treatment.
Ongoing Communication During Treatment
Once your orthodontic treatment is underway, your general dentist remains an active part of your care team. You should continue attending your regular dental checkups every six months, even while wearing braces or aligners.
Braces and aligners can make it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly. As a result, the risk of plaque buildup and cavities can increase during treatment. Your dentist will monitor this closely and provide professional cleanings to keep your mouth healthy throughout the process.
This ongoing teamwork between your dentist and orthodontist is what helps deliver the best possible results for your smile and your health.
The Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Many Canadians think of orthodontic treatment as purely cosmetic. However, the health benefits are significant and often life-changing. The Mayo Clinic notes that good oral health is connected to your overall physical health, including your heart and digestive system.
Correcting bite and alignment problems can lead to meaningful improvements in several areas:
Better chewing and digestion — properly aligned teeth break down food more effectively
Reduced jaw pain and headaches — a corrected bite puts less strain on the jaw muscles and joints
Easier cleaning — straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease
Clearer speech — some alignment issues can affect how certain sounds are made
Greater confidence — a healthy, straight smile can positively affect self-esteem and social interactions
Furthermore, addressing these issues early, especially in children and teenagers, can prevent more complex and costly treatment later in life.
The Patient’s Role in Successful Dental Care
Good dental care is never a one-way street. Your dental team depends on you to do your part. This means attending all scheduled appointments, following your dentist’s and orthodontist’s instructions, and maintaining good oral hygiene at home every single day.
If you are wearing braces, avoid foods that can damage them, such as hard candies, popcorn, and sticky sweets. If you are using clear aligners, wear them for the recommended number of hours each day and clean them properly.
In addition, be open and honest with your dental team about any discomfort, changes you notice, or concerns you have. The more your dentist and orthodontist know, the better they can support your care. Good communication is the foundation of a strong, long-term relationship with your dental team.
Building a Long-Term Relationship with Your Dental Team
Consistent care with the same dental team over time has real advantages. Your dentist builds up a complete picture of your oral health history. They notice changes more easily and can act quickly when something needs attention.
For Canadians managing their health through provincial health plans, it is worth reviewing what dental services are covered. Some provinces offer dental coverage for children and low-income adults. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan has also expanded access to oral health services for eligible Canadians without insurance.
When to See a Dentist or Ask for an Orthodontic Referral
You do not need to wait for a toothache to see a dental professional. In fact, the best time to visit your dentist is before any problems develop. If it has been more than six months since your last checkup, now is a good time to book an appointment.
You should consider asking your dentist about an orthodontic referral if you or your child experience any of the following:
Visibly crooked or crowded teeth
Difficulty biting or chewing food comfortably
Jaw pain or clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Gaps between teeth that are widening over time
Teeth that do not meet properly when biting down
Breathing through the mouth frequently
If you do not have a regular family dentist, a walk-in dental clinic is a great starting point. Many communities across Canada have dental walk-in options that can provide an initial assessment and refer you to the right specialist. As always, speak with a qualified dental or medical professional before starting any new treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
A general dentist provides overall oral health care, including cleanings, fillings, and basic dental work. An orthodontist is a dental specialist with extra training in correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws. Your dentist and orthodontist often work together to give you the most complete care possible.
Does my dentist need to refer me to an orthodontist?
In most cases, yes. Your general dentist will assess your teeth and bite during routine checkups and recommend an orthodontic consultation if they notice alignment problems. However, in Canada you can also seek out an orthodontist directly without a referral, depending on your province and dental plan.
At what age should a child first see an orthodontist?
Many orthodontists recommend an initial evaluation around age seven, when the first adult teeth have come in. This does not mean treatment begins right away, but early assessment allows the orthodontist and dentist to monitor development and plan ahead. Catching issues early often leads to simpler and shorter treatment later on.
Can I continue seeing my regular dentist during orthodontic treatment?
Absolutely, and it is strongly recommended. Your general dentist plays an important role during orthodontic treatment by monitoring your gum health, removing plaque buildup, and treating any cavities that may develop. The collaboration between your dentist and orthodontist during this time helps protect your overall oral health.
Is orthodontic treatment covered under Canadian provincial health plans?
Most provincial health plans in Canada do not cover orthodontic treatment for adults, though some coverage may exist for children in certain circumstances. Private dental insurance often covers a portion of orthodontic costs. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan is expanding access to dental services for eligible Canadians, so it is worth checking your eligibility.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case, but most orthodontic treatment takes between one and three years. Modern options like clear aligners and self-ligating braces can sometimes shorten treatment time compared to older techniques. Your orthodontist will give you a personalised timeline after a thorough assessment.
Key Takeaways
Your dentist and orthodontist work as a team to protect and improve your oral health from different angles.
Regular dental checkups every six months are the foundation of good oral health and the starting point for identifying orthodontic issues.
Orthodontic treatment is not just cosmetic — it improves chewing, digestion, jaw comfort, and long-term dental health.
Your teeth must be healthy before orthodontic treatment begins — your dentist will treat cavities and gum problems first.
Modern orthodontic options like clear aligners and lingual braces make treatment more comfortable and discreet than ever.
Canadians can explore coverage options through provincial health plans, private insurance, and the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Always consult a qualified dental professional before starting any orthodontic or dental treatment to make sure it is right for your specific situation.
