Deciding whether to see a dentist before visiting an orthodontist is a common question with a nuanced answer. The dental and orthodontic fields overlap in many ways, and both dentists and orthodontists play important roles in maintaining good oral health. In general, it is advisable to see a dentist before consulting with an orthodontist if you have any underlying dental issues that need to be addressed first.
One reason to see a dentist before an orthodontist is to rule out any underlying dental problems that could complicate orthodontic treatment. For example, if you have cavities or gum disease, these conditions should be treated before orthodontic braces are placed. Otherwise, the orthodontic treatment could exacerbate the dental issues and make them more difficult to resolve.
