Why Seeing a General Dentist for Orthodontic Treatment Can Be Risky

When it comes to straightening your teeth or correcting your bite, many patients are surprised to learn that not all providers are created equal. While general dentists may offer Invisalign or braces, it’s important to understand the risks of receiving orthodontic treatment from someone who isn’t a trained orthodontic specialist.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we see the consequences of rushed or incomplete treatment every week. Patients who trusted their general dentist for convenience or cost savings often end up needing complex corrections later.

Let’s break down why this happens and what you should know before starting treatment.

What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

Dentists are experts in overall oral health: cleanings, fillings, crowns, and preventive care.
Orthodontists are dentists who complete 2 to 3 additional years of specialized training focused solely on how teeth move, how jaws grow, and how to correct complex bite issues safely and effectively.

Think of it this way: your general doctor might know the basics of heart health, but you wouldn’t ask them to perform heart surgery. Orthodontics is no different. It requires advanced knowledge and experience to do it right.

The Risks of Seeing a Dentist for Orthodontic Work

1. Missed or Ignored Bite Problems

Dentists often focus only on straightening the front teeth. But orthodontists look at how your bite fits: Class II, Class III, crossbites, deep bites, and open bites all require careful planning.
An untreated bite may not hurt now, but over time it leads to tooth wear, cracked fillings, jaw strain, and more dental work.

2. Limited Tools and Knowledge

Many general dentists use generic treatment plans or software that isn’t designed to correct complex issues. They may not know when a patient really needs elastics, growth modification, extractions, or surgical consultation.
The result is longer treatments, poor results, and sometimes permanent damage.

3. No One Checking the Details

Orthodontic treatment is a dynamic process. It needs adjustments, monitoring, and fine-tuning along the way. Many dental offices don't have the time or training to properly track your progress or identify problems until it’s too late.

Why Do Dentists Offer Ortho in the First Place?

It’s no secret: orthodontics is a revenue stream. With the popularity of Invisalign and direct-to-consumer aligners, some dentists take weekend courses and start offering treatment to keep it in-house even when it’s outside their skillset.

This keeps you from ever seeing a specialist or knowing there was a better option.

How to Protect Yourself (or Your Child)

• Ask who is planning and monitoring your case. Is it a specialist?
• Request a second opinion from a board-certified orthodontist.
• Look beyond straight teeth. Ask about your bite, jaw alignment, and long-term stability.
• Don’t be afraid to ask about training. A weekend Invisalign course is not the same as a 3-year residency.

Your Smile Deserves a Specialist

At Strouse Orthodontics, orthodontics isn’t a side service. It’s what we do, all day, every day. Whether you’re an adult looking to improve your bite or a parent wanting the best for your child, we’re here to guide you with expert care, custom treatment plans, and results that last a lifetime.

Schedule a free consultation today at Strouse Orthodontics in Spring Hill or Lecanto.
Specialist-led. Patient-focused. Results that last.