6 min read · By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics · Choosing an Orthodontist
Short answer: It is not really one or the other. See your dentist for cleanings, cavities, and general oral health. See an orthodontist when the issue is how your teeth line up or how your bite fits together. This guide sorts common situations so you know which door to knock on first.
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It is not either/or
People tend to frame this as a choice, dentist or orthodontist, as if you have to pick one. In practice you usually want both, just for different things. They are teammates, not competitors. The useful question is not which is better, it is which one you need for the thing in front of you right now.
If you want the deeper reasoning on why alignment work belongs with a specialist, we lay it out in orthodontist versus dentist. This piece is the practical version: a quick way to route your specific situation.
Who handles what
The clean split looks like this. Your general dentist keeps your mouth healthy: cleanings and exams, cavities and fillings, crowns and restorations, gum care, and cosmetic touches like whitening. An orthodontist moves teeth and corrects bites: crowding, spacing, and misalignment, plus overbites, underbites, and crossbites, using braces, aligners, and appliances.
Which should you see? A quick guide
| If you have… | Start with a… |
|---|---|
| A toothache, cavity, or cracked tooth | Dentist |
| A routine cleaning or checkup due | Dentist |
| Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth | Orthodontist |
| An overbite, underbite, or crossbite | Orthodontist |
| Bleeding gums or gum disease | Dentist |
| Interest in braces or clear aligners | Orthodontist |
| Teeth whitening or a minor cosmetic fix | Dentist |
| A child around age 7 for a bite check | Orthodontist |
The gray areas
A few situations do not fall neatly on one side, so here is how I would handle them:
- Jaw pain, clicking, or headaches (TMJ). This can be dental, orthodontic, or muscular. Either provider can start you off, but an orthodontist is well suited to evaluate whether the bite is part of the problem.
- Missing or extra teeth. Often a team effort. The orthodontist creates or manages space; the dentist or surgeon handles the tooth itself.
- Cosmetic requests that involve alignment. If straightening is the goal, an orthodontist. If it is shade or shape, a dentist. When both matter, they coordinate.
And a good thing to know: you do not need a referral to see an orthodontist, so you can go straight to one to sort out where your issue belongs. We explain that in can you go straight to an orthodontist.
Still unsure? Book a free orthodontic consultation. If your concern turns out to be dental rather than orthodontic, we will tell you plainly and point you in the right direction. No wasted visit.
The simplest rule
When you strip it down, it comes to this: if the problem is about the health of a tooth, see a dentist. If the problem is about the position of your teeth or how your bite comes together, see an orthodontist. And keep both in your corner over time, because a straight smile still needs regular dental care to stay healthy.
Health of the tooth, see a dentist. Position of the teeth, see an orthodontist. Keep both, and you are covered.
Not sure who you need? Start with a free orthodontic exam.
We will tell you honestly whether your concern is an orthodontic one, and point you the right way if it is not.
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a dentist or an orthodontist for crooked teeth?
An orthodontist. Crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, and bite problems are exactly what orthodontists are trained to correct. Your dentist may be the one who first points it out, but the diagnosis and treatment belong with the specialist.
Who do I see for a toothache, cavity, or cleaning?
Your general dentist. Pain, decay, cracked teeth, gum concerns, and routine cleanings are all dentist territory. If a toothache is sudden or severe, start there, not with an orthodontist.
Can my dentist tell me whether I need braces?
They can flag it and suggest you get evaluated, and many do. But whether braces or aligners are the right fix, and what the plan should be, is a diagnosis an orthodontist makes. Think of the dentist as the smoke detector and the orthodontist as the specialist who assesses the situation.
Do I have to see my dentist before I can see an orthodontist?
No. You can book an orthodontic consultation directly, no referral required. We cover this in our post on going straight to an orthodontist.
Should I keep seeing both?
Yes, and most people do. Your dentist handles ongoing oral health while an orthodontist manages tooth movement. During treatment you keep up your regular cleanings, and the two providers coordinate.
Who handles a child’s bite and jaw development?
An orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by around age 7, while the jaw is still growing and issues are easiest to guide. You can book that directly.
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
1,000+ five-star reviews · 3 offices (two in Frisco, one in The Colony) · D Magazine Best Dentist 2026 · Living Magazine Readers’ Choice 2026
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers’ Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers’ Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
Book a free consultation: 972.538.4343
Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS
Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Dr. Baharvand practices at Elate Orthodontics in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, where he and Dr. Julia Kang lead a team focused on airway-friendly, patient-first orthodontic care. Meet Dr. B.
