Can a Dentist Put Braces On? The Truth About Straightening Your Smile

That moment you catch your reflection and wonder, “Can my regular dentist help straighten these teeth?”—you’re absolutely not alone. Maybe your family dentist suggested clear aligners, or you’ve always thought only orthodontists do braces. The world of dental care can feel confusing, especially when it comes to something as important as your smile. Let’s break down this common question together, clear up the confusion, and help you make a choice you’ll feel good about.

In This Article

• 1. Can Your Dentist Really Put Braces On? (The Quick Answer)
• 2. The Big Picture: General Dentist vs. Orthodontist
• 3. When a General Dentist CAN Provide Braces
• 4. Why See an Orthodontist?
• 5. How to Choose: Dentist or Orthodontist?
• 6. Common Braces and Who Provides Them
• 7. What Happens at an Orthodontic Consultation?
• 8. Your Healthy Takeaway & Next Steps

1. Can Your Dentist Really Put Braces On? (The Quick Answer)

Let’s get right to it: Can a dentist put braces on? The short answer is—sometimes, yes. Many general dentists now offer some types of braces or teeth straightening, mostly for easy cases or when just fixing the look, usually after taking extra classes.

But not all “braces” are the same, and your dentist may not be able to deal with tough problems like an orthodontist can. If you want to totally fix your bite or deal with tough issues, you might need a specialist. This article will explain why, how, and how to pick the right person for you.

2. The Big Picture: General Dentist vs. Orthodontist

Before you start looking at your choices, it helps to know the differences between a general dentist and an orthodontist.

What Does a General Dentist Do?

Your regular dentist takes care of your overall mouth—cleanings, fillings, crowns, and just about everything else. Some general dentists, with the right training, can do a little bit of braces or aligners, especially if your needs are simple.

• Main focus: Teeth, gums, cavities, cleanings, and some simple fixes for looks.
• Braces and aligner care: Some may offer clear aligners (like Invisalign) or move teeth just a bit after taking special classes.
• Example: If you have a small gap between your front teeth, your dentist might offer clear trays to help close the space.

What Makes an Orthodontist Different?

Orthodontists are like the builders of the bite. They go to dental school, then study another two or three years just about moving teeth and lining up jaws.

• Main focus: Finding, stopping, and fixing crooked teeth and jaws.
• Expertise: From simple crowding to more difficult jaw problems.
• Example: If your teeth don’t line up right or you have an overbite, an orthodontist can fix your smile and make sure your bite works for the long run.

It’s kind of like asking your regular doctor to put a cast on a broken bone. Sometimes they can, but for tricky breaks, you need a bone doctor.

3. When a General Dentist CAN Provide Braces

So maybe your dentist can put braces on–but when does it make sense? Here’s when it works.

The Green Light: Limited Braces Work

• Small Problems (Minor Issues):

If your teeth are just a little crowded, you have small gaps, or small crooked spots, a general dentist with braces training might be a good pick.

• Clear Aligners:

Dentists can get certified to do clear aligners like Invisalign. These work well for simple fixes but aren’t always right for harder bite problems.

• Small Cosmetic Changes:

Want to fix one tooth that’s a little out of place? Dentists can sometimes use short-term braces or aligners to get it straight for a special event.

What Training Do They Need?

A dentist isn’t ready to do braces straight out of school. Look for:

• Extra Learning: Classes or hands-on lessons just for moving teeth.
• Experience With Similar Cases: Ask how many people like you they’ve helped.
• Honest Answers: A good dentist will tell you if you should see a specialist and will send you on if it’s not something they’re good at.

Example: Let’s say you’re 30, your teeth are mostly straight, but those two bottom front teeth are crowded. Your dentist might offer clear aligners for six months. Fast, simple, and taken care of in your regular office.

4. Why See an Orthodontist?

While some dentists can help with simple cases, orthodontists have some big advantages—especially for harder smiles.

More Training Is a Big Deal

• More School:

Orthodontists spend up to 10-11 years in school, including dental school and braces-only training.

• Experience With Tough Cases:

Big crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and jaw issues are what they do every day.

• More Tools:

From regular and clear braces to braces behind your teeth and special tools like expanders, orthodontists have all the options.

Fewer Risks, Better Results That Last

Trying to fix a hard bite with not enough training can cause problems like root damage, a bad bite, jaw pain, or needing it fixed again. Orthodontists know how to move teeth in a safe way, with results that last.

Real-Life Example

A 16-year-old with small spaces had a good result using clear aligners with their dentist. But a 45-year-old with really crooked teeth and a bad bite only had half of it fixed by their dentist and had to see a specialist to get it finished—ending up spending more time and money.

5. How to Choose: Dentist or Orthodontist?

It can be hard to pick, so here are some questions to help you decide.

1. How Hard Is Your Case?

• If your teeth are only a little out of place, your dentist might be just right.
• If your teeth are really crowded, your bite is off, or your jaw feels weird, go see an orthodontist.

2. What’s the Provider’s Experience?

• Did your dentist just take a short class, or have they fixed smiles like yours before?
• Orthodontists only do tooth movement, with years of special training.

3. What Choices Do They Offer?

• Do you want metal braces, clear braces, or invisible aligners?
• Some choices, like braces behind your teeth or expanders, are usually just with orthodontists.

4. What About Price, Insurance, and How Easy It Is?

• Dentists might charge less for simple fixes, especially for aligners.
• Orthodontists may have more payment plans for tricky cases.
• Insurance can be different, so check your plan.

5. Can You Get Another Opinion?

Just like with a big purchase, getting a second look keeps your best interest first.

6. Common Braces and Who Provides Them

All the types of braces can be a lot, so here’s a simple chart:

\* Only easy or small cases

\ Orthodontist works with a surgeon

7. What Happens at an Orthodontic Consultation?

Whether you start with your dentist or see a braces specialist, here’s what you can expect:

1. Full Mouth Exam

The dentist or orthodontist will check how your teeth line up, look for bite problems, and make sure your gums are healthy.

2. Pictures and X-rays

They may take X-rays, photos, or 3D scans to see your teeth and jaws clearly.

3. Talk About Your Goals

You’ll share what bugs you, what you want to change, and what kind of treatment you like.

4. Custom Plan

Your provider will lay out the best plan—including what kind of braces or aligners, how long it will take, and how it works.

5. Cost & Payment Choices

They’ll go over prices, insurance, any payment plans, and how long the treatment should take.

These steps make sure you know what’s happening and can ask any questions you want.

8. Quick Reference: Data, Real-World Examples & What It Means for You

Sometimes numbers help more:

• Around 35% of general dentists offer some type of braces, but mostly just for simple cases or clear aligners.
• Orthodontists handle over 90% of regular braces cases, especially for tougher bite problems.
• People are happy about 92% of the time when they finish tricky cases with orthodontists—thanks to skill and extra training.
• Doing tough fixes with little training makes problems more likely by 20-30%, like damaged roots or a bad bite.
• The average time:
• Dentist (easy cases): 6-18 months
• Orthodontist (full fixes): 18-36 months

Real-Life Stories

The Dentist Tried Too Much

John, 45, had crowded teeth and a big overbite. His dentist had just finished a weekend clear aligner class and tried to help. After two years, John still had his overbite and now his jaw hurt. He had to see an orthodontist for another round—more money, more time, more pain.

The Dentist Who Knew When to Refer

Sara, 16, just had a small gap in her front teeth. Her dentist, trained in clear aligners, did her treatment just right. In less than a year, she had a great smile with no trouble.

Lesson: Easy stuff is fine for a trained dentist, but for tougher problems, a specialist is the way to go.

9. Who Is This For? Are You a Good Match for Braces by Your Dentist?

Let’s be honest—braces aren’t the same for everyone, and not every dentist should handle every case. Here’s how to know where you fit:

You’re a Good Match for Dentist Braces If:

• You just need small fixes (little gaps, minor crowding).
• You mostly care about how it looks.
• Your bite feels fine, and your teeth line up okay.
• Your dentist is honest about what they can do and sends you to a specialist if needed.

You’re Better Off With an Orthodontist If:

• Your teeth are very crooked, or you have lots of problems.
• Your bite is off, or your jaws don’t line up.
• You’ve had braces problems before, or need surgery or special tools.
• You want more options with braces or special treatment.

10. Your Healthy Takeaway: What to Remember and What Next

Let’s sum it up—plain and simple:

Key Things to Remember:

• Dentists CAN do some braces, mostly just the easy stuff.
• Orthodontists are the experts for hard or special cases.
• How tough your problem is, the provider’s training, and your own goals matter most.
• Ask questions or get another opinion—don’t be shy.
• Think of long-term results for your smile—not just what’s fastest.

What’s Your Next Step?

• Ask your dentist about how much braces work they’ve really done.
• Get a referral or book a consult with a real orthodontist so you can compare.
• Take advantage of first consults—they’re often cheap or free and help you decide.
• Think about what you want, how comfortable you feel, and what’s best for your teeth for the long run.

And remember: You don’t have to figure it out alone. People who work in dental offices care about your smile and want to help make things as clear and easy as possible.

Bonus: Other Smile Fixes You Might See

As you look into your choices, you may hear about other treatments, like:

• Veneers (thin covers for chipped or stained teeth—more on veneers here)
• Crowns and bridges (used to fix damaged or missing teeth; check crown and bridge lab for more info)
• Night guards to help with grinding at night
• Retainers to keep your teeth in place after straightening (learn from a dental lab for retainers)

These may come up during your plan and your provider can help you choose what’s best.

Your smile is special—don’t settle for one answer for everybody. Talk openly with your dentist, ask about their training, compare options, and make the choice that will keep you smiling for a long time.