See a general dentist for routine care — cleanings, fillings, crowns, gum health, and most tooth pain. See an orthodontist when you want to straighten teeth or fix a bite with braces or clear aligners. An orthodontist is a dentist with 2–3 years of extra specialty training in tooth and jaw alignment. For most issues your dentist is the first stop and will refer you to an orthodontist if you need one.
Below is what each one does, how to tell which you need, whether you need a referral, and how the costs compare.
What a general dentist does
A general dentist is your primary oral-health provider. They handle:
- Routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays
- Cavities and fillings
- Crowns, bridges, and most restorative work
- Gum health and basic periodontal care
- Tooth pain, infections, and extractions
- Cosmetic work like whitening and veneers
You see a general dentist roughly every six months for a checkup. They catch problems early and refer you to a specialist when something is outside their scope.
What an orthodontist does
An orthodontist is a dental specialist focused on the position of your teeth and jaws. They complete dental school plus a 2–3 year orthodontic residency. They handle:
- Crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
- Braces (metal or ceramic) and clear aligners like Invisalign
- Retainers and keeping teeth in position after treatment
- Coordinating jaw alignment, sometimes with an oral surgeon
Orthodontists generally don't do fillings, cleanings, or crowns — that stays with your dentist.
Which one do you need?
Match the situation to the right provider:
- Routine checkup, cleaning, or a toothache → general dentist
- A cavity, chipped tooth, or crown → general dentist
- Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth → orthodontist
- Overbite, underbite, or a bite that feels off → orthodontist
- You want braces or Invisalign → orthodontist
- Bleeding gums or bad breath → general dentist (or a periodontist if referred)
- Not sure → start with your general dentist; they'll refer you if you need a specialist
A useful rule: if the problem is the health of a tooth, see a dentist. If the problem is the alignment of teeth, see an orthodontist.
Do you need a referral?
In most cases, no. You can book directly with an orthodontist for a consultation — many offer a free first visit. That said, your general dentist is a good starting point: they know your dental history and can tell you whether orthodontic treatment makes sense now or whether something else should come first (for example, treating gum disease or a cavity before braces).
Some dental insurance plans require an in-network referral to cover specialist care at the higher rate, so check your plan before booking.
How the costs compare
A general dentist is the lower, recurring cost: a cleaning and exam typically runs $90–$200 without insurance, with fillings $150–$300. Orthodontic treatment is a larger one-time case fee — $3,000–$8,000 for braces or aligners — usually spread over interest-free monthly payments.
The two are billed differently, too. Regular dental coverage is annual; orthodontic coverage is often a separate one-time lifetime benefit of $1,000–$3,000. You can be covered for both at once.
For local pricing and providers, see our Austin dentists directory and Austin orthodontists directory. For a full price breakdown, read how much a dentist costs in Austin and how much braces and Invisalign cost in Austin.
Frequently asked questions
Is an orthodontist more expensive than a dentist? For a single visit they're comparable, but the treatment differs. A dentist's routine visit is $90–$200; orthodontic treatment is a one-time case fee of $3,000–$8,000 spread over monthly payments. They cover different needs, so it's not an either/or — many people see both.
Can a regular dentist do braces or Invisalign? Some general dentists offer clear aligners for mild cases. For complex alignment or bite correction, an orthodontist's specialty training matters. Ask how many cases like yours the provider has treated before deciding.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist? Usually not — you can book a consultation directly, and many are free. However, some insurance plans require an in-network referral to pay the higher covered rate, so check your plan first.
Who do I see for a crooked tooth or an overbite? An orthodontist. Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth and bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite) are exactly what orthodontic treatment corrects. Your general dentist can refer you, or you can book a consultation yourself.
General guidance based on the standard scope of dental and orthodontic practice in the U.S., 2026. Confirm specific services and pricing with the provider before booking.