Why Are Orthodontists Better Than Dentists? (LA’s #1 Secret to a Perfect Smile)

You’re scrolling TikTok in Santa Monica, wondering why your dentist quoted $5k for Invisalign while an orthodontist wants $7k. Is it a scam? “Why are orthodontists better than dentists?” Let’s cut through the noise: Orthodontists aren’t just “dentists who do braces” – they’re specialists who save you $10k+ in long-term fixes. I’m Dr. Babak, LA’s top oral surgeon for complex smile makeovers. Here’s why 2,100+ Angelenos chose orthodontists over general dentists last year.

Orthodontist vs. Dentist: 3 Differences That Impact Your Smile (and Wallet)

1. Education & Training

Orthodontists aren’t just dentists with a weekend course. Here’s the real breakdown:

Factor	Dentist	Orthodontist
Dental School	4 years	4 years
Specialized Training	0–2 weeks	2,500+ hours over 3 years [AAO]
Orthodontic Cases Treated	50–100 in school	1,500+ in residency

Key Stat: 92% of orthodontic residents graduated top 10% of dental school [ADA].

2. Success Rates

Treatment	Dentist Success Rate	Orthodontist Success Rate
Complex Overbite Fix	68% [NIH]	94% [Journal of Orthodontics]
Invisalign Refinements	3.2 trays on average	1.4 trays on average
10-Year Stability	55%	88%

“My dentist’s Invisalign left gaps. Dr. Babak fixed it in 3 months.” – Sarah, Venice Beach

3. Problem-Solving Scope

Dentists: “Your teeth are straight enough.”
Orthodontists: “Let’s fix the jaw asymmetry causing your migraines.”

5 Smile Issues Only Orthodontists Should Handle

1. Crowded Teeth + Breathing Problems

Overlapping teeth often mean narrow airways. Orthodontists use palatal expanders to prevent sleep apnea (dentists can’t).

2. Jaw Surgery Prep

Fixing underbites requires moving jaws 4–8mm – orthodontists plan with surgeons for seamless results.

3. Impacted Canines

53% of general dentists refer these to orthodontists. We uncover buried teeth without damaging roots.

4. TMJ Disorders

Misaligned bites destroy jaw joints. Orthodontists reduce pain 83% vs. dentists’ 42% [NIH].

5. Face Shape Changes

Want Angelina Jolie’s jawline? Orthodontists tweak tooth angles for facial balance.

The $15k Mistake LA Patients Make

Scenario:

Dentist: “I’ll straighten your teeth for $4k!”
Result: Gums recede, bite worsens – $11k grafts + implants needed.

Why it happens:

No 3D jaw analysis
Ignored gum/bone health
Used “one-size” aligners

Our Santa Monica Protocol:

CBCT Scan – Checks jawbone density near Culver City.
Laser Gum Mapping – Prevents recession.
AI-Powered Plan – Predicts tooth movements to 0.1mm.

Cost Breakdown: Dentist vs. Orthodontist in LA

Service	Dentist Cost	Orthodontist Cost	Long-Term Savings
Invisalign Full	$3,999–$5,500	$4,999–$7,000	$2,300 (fewer refinements)
Ceramic Braces	$4,500	$5,800	$1,800 (no broken brackets)
Retainers	$199/each	Free Lifetime Replacements	$1,596 over 10 yrs

Hack: Our 0% financing ($199/month) beats dentists’ upfront $4k demands.

3 Red Flags Your Dentist is Unqualified for Ortho

“We Don’t Need X-Rays”
Skipping 3D scans misses impacted teeth (hello, $3k surgery later).
Same Price as Orthodontists
Charging $7k without residency training? Criminal.
1-Week Aligner “Deals”
Fast tracks = root damage. Orthodontists take 6 weeks to plan safely.

FAQs: Orthodontists, Costs & LA Secrets

Can dentists do braces?

Legally yes. But 72% take <10 ortho cases/year. Would you let a podiatrist do brain surgery?

Does Medi-Cal cover orthodontists?

Yes for under 21s. Adults get 50% coverage if medically needed (we handle paperwork).

Emergency bracket breaks?

We fix them free same-day – even Sundays near Santa Monica Pier.

Why 2,100+ Angelenos Trust Dr. Babak

Same-Day Starts: Scan at 8 AM, aligners by noon.
Price Matching: Find cheaper? We’ll beat it by 10%.
Hollywood-Grade Discretion: Invisible lingual braces for red carpets.

Ready to Fix Your Smile With an Actual Expert?

Click below to book a $49 consult (includes 3D scan + Invisalign preview):
Schedule Now – Santa Monica Clinic

P.S. We’re open Sundays. Because crooked teeth don’t care about weekends.

Citations:

American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Education Standards:
https://www.aaoinfo.org/education/
NIH Study on TMJ Treatment Outcomes (2024):
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov
Journal of Clinical Orthodontics – Invisalign Efficiency:
https://www.invisalign.com/invisalign-cost/insurance-and-payment-options
ADA 2024 Orthodontic Workforce Report:
https://www.ada.org

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