"Dentists, Orthodontists ... What's the Difference?"


“Dentists, Orthodontists, they’re all the same right?” We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Michael Willes started out in dental school and earned a dental degree, just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Willes decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn’t it nice to know there’s a dental expert here at Willes Orthodontics to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

740 Oak Avenue, Suite A
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 434-5031
Mon
8:00am to 5:00pm

Tue
8:00am to 5:00pm

Wed
8:00am to 5:00pm

Thu
8:00am to 5:00pm