Periodontist vs Orthodontist: What's the Difference and Who Do You Need?

Written By McClain Woolsey

When it comes to your smile, there’s no shortage of dental specialists. Two of the most commonly confused are periodontists and orthodontists. While both play important roles in oral health, their areas of expertise are quite different.

🦷 What Does a Periodontist Do?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, as well as procedures like dental implants and gum grafting. They work with the supporting structures of the teeth — including the gums and bone.

Common Periodontist Treatments:

  • Gum disease treatment (scaling and root planing)

  • Laser gum therapy

  • Dental implants

  • Gum grafts for receding gums

  • Bone grafting to support implants

At Emerald Coast Periodontics in Niceville, FL, we focus exclusively on these types of procedures to help patients maintain a strong foundation for their teeth.

😁 What Does an Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist is a specialist who corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. They use braces, clear aligners (like Invisalign), and other appliances to straighten teeth, fix bites, and improve facial symmetry.

Common Orthodontist Treatments:

  • Traditional braces

  • Clear aligners (Invisalign)

  • Retainers

  • Jaw alignment correction

  • Early interceptive treatment for children

Orthodontists do not perform surgery or treat gum disease — they focus on teeth alignment and bite function.

👨‍⚕️ Can You See Both?

Absolutely. In fact, some patients benefit from seeing both. For example, if you’re planning on getting orthodontic treatment but also have gum disease, your orthodontist will likely refer you to a periodontist first to ensure your gums are healthy enough for braces or aligners.

📍 See a Periodontist in Niceville, FL

At Emerald Coast Periodontics, we specialize in helping patients build a healthy foundation for their smile. If you're experiencing bleeding gums, receding gumlines, or need a dental implant, our team can help.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options.

McClain Woolsey
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Periodontist vs Oral Surgeon: What’s the Difference and Who Should You See?