When Dental Experts Unite: The Collaboration of Oral Surgeons and Orthodontists

When Dental Experts Unite: The Collaboration of Oral Surgeons and Orthodontists

When navigating the world of dental care, it’s easy to get confused about the roles of different specialists. Two of the most frequently misunderstood professionals are oral surgeons and orthodontists. While both are crucial to maintaining and enhancing oral health, their areas of expertise and the treatments they provide are distinct. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences by answering two important questions: “What does an oral surgeon do?” and “What does an orthodontist do?” This will help you understand when you might need each type of specialist.

What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMSs), commonly known as oral surgeons, are dental specialists who focus on surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and face. Their training is extensive, typically involving an additional four to six years of surgical residency after dental school. Oral surgeons are skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions that require surgical intervention.

Common Procedures Performed by Oral Surgeons:

1. Tooth Extractions: Oral surgeons are often needed for the removal of impacted or problematic teeth, such as wisdom teeth. They handle complex extractions that might be referred by general dentists due to the procedure’s complexity.
2. Dental Implants: Oral surgeons frequently perform the placement of dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support replacement teeth. This procedure requires surgical precision to ensure the implant is securely anchored in the jawbone.
3. Corrective Jaw Surgery: Also known as orthognathic surgery, this procedure corrects jaw bone abnormalities, improving both function and appearance. It’s often recommended for patients with severe bite issues that orthodontics alone cannot resolve.
4. Facial Trauma Repair: Oral surgeons are trained to manage and repair facial injuries, including fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, and other facial structures.
5. Biopsies and Tumor Removal: If suspicious lesions or growths are found in the mouth or jaw, an oral surgeon may perform a biopsy or remove tumors.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

Orthodontists are dental specialists focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Their training includes an additional two to three years of specialized education in orthodontics after dental school. Orthodontists are best known for their work with braces, but their expertise extends to various treatments designed to create a healthy, functional, and attractive smile.

Common Procedures Performed by Orthodontists:

1. Braces: Traditional metal braces are the most common treatment orthodontists provide. They work by applying steady pressure to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
2. Clear Aligners: As an alternative to braces, clear aligners like Invisalign® are popular among patients looking for a discreet option to straighten their teeth. Orthodontists design custom aligner trays that gradually shift teeth into alignment.
3. Retainers: After orthodontic treatment, retainers help maintain the new position of the teeth. Orthodontists create custom retainers to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
4. Palatal Expanders: For patients with narrow upper jaws, orthodontists may use palatal expanders to widen the upper arch. They are usually used in children and teenagers to create more space for teeth alignment and improve the health of the bite.
5. Orthodontic Appliances: Beyond braces and aligners, orthodontists may use various appliances like headgear, space maintainers, and bite plates to address specific dental issues.

When to See an Oral Surgeon vs. an Orthodontist

The need for an oral surgeon or orthodontist often depends on your specific dental issue. Here are some general guidelines:

• See an Oral Surgeon If:
  • You need a complex tooth extraction, such as an impacted wisdom tooth.
  • You’re considering dental implants for tooth replacement.
  • You experience jaw pain or misalignment that might require surgical correction.
  • You’ve suffered facial trauma that needs surgical repair.
  • You have a growth or lesion in your mouth that requires a biopsy or removal.
• See an Orthodontist If:
  • You want to straighten crooked teeth or correct a misaligned bite.
  • You’re interested in braces or clear aligners to improve your smile.
  • Your child needs an evaluation for early orthodontic intervention.
  • You need a retainer or another orthodontic appliance to maintain or improve dental alignment.

Collaboration Between Oral Surgeons and Orthodontists

In some cases, oral surgeons and orthodontists work together to achieve the best outcomes for patients. For instance, a patient with a severe overbite might need orthodontic treatment to align the teeth, followed by jaw surgery performed by an oral surgeon to correct the underlying skeletal issue. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care that addresses both the functional and aesthetic aspects of dental health. In another example, an oral surgeon may provide access to an unerupted tooth stuck in the palate which the orthodontist will then align with the braces.

Understanding “What does an Oral Surgeon do?” and “What does an Orthodontist do?” is essential for making informed decisions about your dental care. Both specialists are crucial for maintaining and improving oral health, each bringing unique skills and expertise to the table. Whether you need surgical intervention or orthodontic treatment, knowing when to see the right specialist can make all the difference in achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. 

At myKIDSdds we have both specialists under one roof! We love collaborating to determine the best treatment for our patients. We can’t wait for you to experience the myKIDSdds difference! Schedule your consultation today!