M. Scott Runnels D.M.D., P.A.

Runnels Orthodontist Dentistry | Orthodontist Panama City Beach 32413

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Call Today850-269-0333
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Runnels
    • Our Staff
    • Our Offices
    • Orthodontist vs Dentist
    • Reviews
    • FAQ
    • Referral Pad
    • Achievements & Awards
  • Treatments
    • Dental Monitoring
    • Invisalign vs Braces
    • Invisalign Adult
    • Invisalign Teen
    • Runnels Retainers
    • Carriere Distalizer
    • iTero Scanner
    • Braces
    • PROPEL
    • Runnels Extras
    • S.M.A.R.T. Analysis
  • Patient Forms
    • New Patient Forms
    • COVID-19 Forms
  • Gallery
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Smile Assessment

Orthodontist vs Dentist

Dentists and orthodontists are both professionals with degrees that specialize in oral and dental care. It can sometimes be difficult to answer the orthodontist vs dentist question. In a nutshell, however, orthodontists deal with problems related to the alignment of the teeth, while dentists deal with things like fillings, extractions, gum disease and overall oral health.

Orthodontist vs Dentist: Education

Educationally, both dentists and orthodontists must complete dental school after obtaining a four-year college degree. Orthodontists must complete a two-year residency program after that in order to practice as an orthodontist. Both may work out of dental offices, and some may even share the same office.

Of the two professions, dentists work on more general oral hygiene conditions. Tooth and gum care, hygiene, decay and structural problems generally fall under the dentist’s responsibility. Likewise, if you chip a tooth and need it repaired, you will go to a dentist. Routine cleanings, X-rays, checking for cavities and looking for signs of gum disease will all be done by the general dentist. Dentists will also provide crowns and bridges to fix or replace missing or broken teeth.

Orthodontist vs Dentist: Different Specialties

If your teeth are crooked and misaligned, or if you have accompanying problems such as an overbite or an underbite, you will need to see an orthodontist. Orthodontists fix issues such as teeth that are crooked in relation to each other. For example, if you have any teeth that are leaning or twisted, our orthodontist will help you straighten them. Likewise, our orthodontist is specially trained to correct overbites and underbites.

Orthodontists are the ones that will fit you with braces, if you need them, to get your teeth into proper alignment. A variety of types of braces can be used. The best orthodontic care for you will depend on the condition of your teeth and your personal preferences. For example, traditional metal braces are effective at treating a wide variety of orthodontic problems, but not everyone wants them. As a result, they may choose to go with alternatives such as ceramic braces or Invisalign®. However, just as every patient is different, every situation will need a personalized treatment plan to ensure the best orthodontic care. Dr. Runnels is in the best position to determine what will work best for you.

While it can sometimes be difficult in certain circumstances to determine the answer for your orthodontist vs dentist question, the professional team at Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics will always be able to help you decide. If your teeth need straightening, Dr. Runnels can provide you with a personalized treatment plan to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. We are conveniently located in both Destin and Panama City Beach, and we also help patients in Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Miramar Beach, Freeport, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside and Rosemary Beach achieve beautiful smiles with the highest level of orthodontic care. To learn more about the orthodontic services we offer, contact us today and schedule your consultation!

Tweet

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: orthodontist vs dentist

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Hours of Operation

Hours of Operation
Monday 7AM - 3PM
Tuesday 8AM - 5PM
Wednesday 8AM - 5PM
Thursday 7AM - 3PM
Friday CLOSED
Saturday CLOSED
Sunday CLOSED

Smile Assessment

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Accessibility Statement

Destin Office

Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics
4399 Commons Dr. E, Suite 100A
Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 269-0333
URL of Map

Inlet Beach Office

Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics
12805 US-98., Suite #H202
Inlet Beach, FL 32413
Phone: (850) 269-0333
URL of Map

Santa Rosa Beach

Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics
1394 County Highway 283 S Building 9
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone: (850) 269-0333
URL of Map
© 2023 Crystal Clear Digital Marketing | Site Map | TOS/Privacy Policy | M. Scott Runnels D.M.D., P.A
crystal clear digital marketing