General Dentist vs. Specialist Orthodontist: Who Should Actually Straighten Your Teeth?
Having imperfect teeth is alright because you always have the option of visiting a dentist to align your teeth and make them perfect. So, if you do not have straight teeth, don’t worry! There are so many options today. This leads to a common question: Should I go to a general dentist or a specialist orthodontist?
It would be best to visit a clinic that has specialist orthodontists in Abu Dhabi, because even though both a general dentist and a specialist can place braces, the job actually goes further than that.
Orthodontic treatment is not just about straightening teeth. It requires a deep understanding of how the jaw moves during daily activities, along with bite alignment, facial balance, and long-term stability. Rather than a general dentist, it is the specialist orthodontist who can make a real difference.
However, That Doesn’t Mean You Should Avoid the General Dentist
The role of general dentists is to diagnose and treat a wide range of dental issues. You can visit them for teeth cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, and basic preventive care. If you have mild cosmetic concerns, they can provide you with braces or clear aligners. However, they may not be able to work around the complex biomechanics of your jaw because they do not have specialist training for that.
On the other hand, if your teeth alignment is significantly off, or you have crooked teeth, you should meet with an orthodontist. They are the experts who can treat problems with spacing, crowding, bite alignment, or jaw position.
Benefits Of Orthodontists In Abu Dhabi
If you are looking for dental braces in Abu Dhabi, you should visit an orthodontist, especially if the job is complex. They have completed additional years of focused education (an extra 2-3 years) specifically in tooth movement, jaw development, and facial structure. Dedicated solely to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, this advanced training is what equips them to handle complex cases safely and accurately.
- They know the mechanics of how teeth move within the bone.
- They know exactly how the jaw will respond to treatment.
- They can successfully correct bite issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
- They can give you tips on how to maintain the stability of the alignment long after treatment ends.
A general dentist might be able to align your front six teeth using a pre-made system like Invisalign Go or fast braces. But if you are looking for orthodontic treatment where the movement of teeth and how your top and bottom jaws meet are calculated precisely, you will need the expertise of a specialist.
This is because it is important to address issues such as:
- Jaw Pain (TMJ): A clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth.
- Uneven Wear: Teeth grinding against each other.
- Relapse: Teeth moving back to their original spots quickly because the root cause of the problem was not solved.
If you are looking for an orthodontist who looks at the tooth roots, jaw bone density, facial profile, and bite function—focusing on precision and specialized care—get in touch with the orthodontists in Abu Dhabi at Al Khaja Medical Center.


