Teeth Adjustment: What General Dentists and Orthodontists Can Do

Can Dentist Adjust Teeth?

While general dentists play a crucial role in primary dental care and can perform minor aesthetic or functional adjustments, significant teeth alignment and bite correction are primarily the domain of a specialized dental professional known as an orthodontist.

Understanding Dental Specializations

The field of dentistry is broad, encompassing various specializations designed to address specific oral health needs. Understanding these roles is key to knowing who to consult for different dental concerns, particularly when it comes to "adjusting teeth."

• General Dentist Role: A general dentist is your primary oral healthcare provider. They are responsible for routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, and diagnosing common oral diseases. They act as the first point of contact and can identify issues that may require specialized care, often referring patients to the appropriate specialist. While they manage overall oral health, their scope for significant tooth movement is limited.

• Orthodontist Role: An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed an additional 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school. Their expertise lies specifically in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, collectively known as malocclusion (bad bite). This includes correcting misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites, and ensuring proper jaw alignment.

What "Adjusting Teeth" Entails

The term "adjusting teeth" can refer to a range of procedures, from minor cosmetic alterations to complex bite corrections. The type of adjustment dictates which dental professional is best suited to perform it.

• Minor Adjustments by General Dentists:

  • Dental Bonding and Reshaping (Enameloplasty): General dentists can perform minor cosmetic adjustments, such as using dental bonding to repair small chips or altering the shape of a tooth slightly to improve aesthetics. Enameloplasty involves carefully removing small amounts of tooth enamel to refine tooth shape or length.
  • Minor Occlusal Adjustments (Equilibration): For very minor bite discrepancies that might be causing discomfort or excessive wear on certain teeth, a general dentist might perform occlusal equilibration. This involves selectively reshaping the biting surfaces of one or more teeth to achieve a more balanced bite. This is typically for functional issues, not significant alignment.
  • Simple Extractions: While not directly "adjusting" teeth, a general dentist might extract a problematic tooth (e.g., a wisdom tooth or a severely decayed tooth) which can indirectly affect the spacing and alignment of adjacent teeth, sometimes as a precursor to orthodontic treatment.
  • Referral for Complex Cases: Crucially, a general dentist will recognize when a case requires more advanced intervention and will refer the patient to an orthodontist.

• Major Adjustments by Orthodontists:

  • Braces: Traditional metal, ceramic, or lingual braces are fixed appliances used to gradually move teeth into their correct positions. This is a core orthodontic treatment.
  • Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign): These are a series of custom-made, removable clear plastic trays that progressively shift teeth. Orthodontists are experts in planning and managing these complex treatment series.
  • Retainers: After active orthodontic treatment, retainers (fixed or removable) are essential to maintain the new tooth positions and prevent relapse.
  • Palatal Expanders: These appliances are used, often in children, to widen the upper jaw to create more space for teeth or correct a crossbite.
  • Orthognathic Surgery: In severe cases of jaw misalignment that cannot be corrected by orthodontics alone, an orthodontist will work in conjunction with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to plan and execute corrective jaw surgery.

When to See a General Dentist vs. an Orthodontist

The typical pathway for most dental concerns, including those related to tooth position, begins with your general dentist.

• Initial Consultation: If you have concerns about your teeth's alignment, bite, or spacing, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with your general dentist. They can perform an initial assessment, take X-rays, and provide a preliminary diagnosis.
• Referral Process: If your general dentist determines that your case involves significant tooth movement, jaw alignment issues, or complex bite correction, they will refer you to an orthodontist. This referral ensures you receive care from a specialist with the necessary advanced training and tools.
• Specific Concerns: You should specifically consider an orthodontic consultation if you experience:
  • Crooked or crowded teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Overbite (upper teeth significantly overlap lower teeth)
  • Underbite (lower teeth protrude past upper teeth)
  • Crossbite (upper teeth bite inside lower teeth)
  • Open bite (front teeth don't meet when jaw is closed)
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Jaw pain or clicking
  • Speech impediments related to tooth position

The Importance of Professional Assessment

Regardless of whether your concern is minor or major, seeking professional dental advice is paramount.

• Accurate Diagnosis: Only a qualified dental professional can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of dental alignment issues and recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment plan.
• Customized Treatment Plans: Every mouth is unique. A personalized treatment plan, whether for minor reshaping or comprehensive orthodontic care, is essential for achieving optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.
• Long-Term Oral Health: Correcting misaligned teeth is not just about aesthetics. Proper alignment can improve chewing efficiency, reduce excessive wear on teeth, make oral hygiene easier (reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease), and alleviate jaw pain.

Key Takeaways

• General dentists are your primary care providers for overall oral health and can perform minor cosmetic or functional adjustments.
• Significant tooth movement, bite correction, and complex alignment issues fall under the specialized scope of an orthodontist.
• Always start with your general dentist for an initial assessment; they will refer you to an orthodontist if specialized care is needed.
• Professional assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis and a customized treatment plan, ensuring the best long-term outcomes for your oral health.