Do I Need Treatment From an Orthodontist or a Dentist?

houseoforthodontia-orthodontist-east-village-ny

Dr. Alikhani and Dr. Lien of the House of Orthodontia have some tips to help patients in the East Village, NY to distinguish between a dentist and an orthodontist. The difference between an orthodontist and a dentist may be indistinguishable to some people. Something that many folks don’t know is that all orthodontists can be dentists, but not all dentists can be orthodontists. They are both certified oral health care professionals, treat and maintain the health of your teeth and gums, and have the education and experience to be called doctors. In these areas, they are pretty comparable. However, there are more differences than similarities.

What’s the difference?

An orthodontist requires further schooling and more experience in their specialty (orthodontics) beyond their dental school training. A similar example would be if a medical doctor elects to take special training to become a surgeon. So, if a dentist has a patient with a dental malocclusion, they will refer them to an orthodontist for treatment.

What can an orthodontist do for me?

An orthodontist is specially trained and qualified to treat common problems like:

  • underbites
  • overbites
  • open bites
  • cross bites
  • crowded teeth

Orthodontists have a variety of methods they can employ to fix your orthodontic issues, and they know exactly which are best for your specific needs. Some of the appliances and treatments used by Dr. Alikhani and Dr. Lien at the House of Orthodontia include:

  • braces
  • space maintainers
  • clear aligners (like Invisalign)
  • jaw repositioning
  • lip and cheek bumpers
  • palatal expander
  • removable retainers
  • orthodontic headgear

If you think you are in need of treatment from an orthodontist in the East Village, NY, Dr. Alikhani and Dr. Lien can provide you with a cutting-edge, friendly orthodontic experience. Don’t put off achieving your perfect smile any longer – schedule your initial consultation with the House of Orthodontia today!


Dr. Mani Alikhani, Dr. Thomas Lien, and the team at House of Orthodontia are expert orthodontists. If you have any questions pertaining to braces, clear braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Teen, there are 2 convenient locations; Brooklyn – Cobble Hill, NY, Brooklyn Heights, NY, Boerum Hill, NY; or Manhattan – East Village, NY, Grammercy Park, NY, Stuyvesant Town, NY.  Schedule your complimentary consultation today and contact House of Orthodontia.