Orthodontist vs. Endodontist:
What Are the Differences?

As of right now, there are over 200,000 dentists in the USA.

Not all of them are general dentists, however. There are many specialty fields that a dentist can go into, and two of them are orthodontists and endodontists.

Although they sound similar, they couldn't be more different in what they actually do. Read on to find out the key differences between an orthodontist vs. an endodontist.

What Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is someone who deals with alignment issues. If the teeth aren't lining up, they may provide treatment to correct this, such as braces — one of the common pediatric dental procedures, since children often get them young to prevent issues in the future.

Usually, you need a referral from your general dentist to see an orthodontist. They typically don't perform routine things like cleanings and filling cavities, and instead, take x-rays and photos of your mouth to correct your bite.

It may seem as if an orthodontist only deals with cosmetic issues, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Misalignment can negatively affect your health over time and can make it harder to eat and even cause pain.

What Is an Endodontist?

An endodontist is a specialist who deals with tooth pain and root canal surgeries. If you're having problems with your mouth and it's causing you pain or you need someone to perform a complicated root canal, this is who your dentist will refer you to.

They may also perform some other procedures that relate to the inside of the tooth.

They are trained in using special equipment to help them see inside of the tooth itself.

Other Key Differences

There are some other key differences between an orthodontist and an endodontist. Here's what they are.

Education
Both endodontists and orthodontists have additional training beyond typical dentistry qualifications, but the education is slightly different.

An endodontist has to undergo two more years of training than a general dentist.

An orthodontist has to apply for a state license, which may include an exam.

Salary
With endodontists earning an average of $327,521 one year compared to orthodontists earning $283,811, there's a significant difference in salary. However, it's important to remember not to factor this in too much if you're looking for an orthodontist vs. endodontist guide in terms of whether to become one.

Salary varies by area, after all. Endodontists are still likely to earn a little more though.

Orthodontist vs. Endodontist: They're Very Different

When it comes to an orthodontist vs. endodontist, they're actually very different.

Although their similar-sounding job titles might confuse people, an endodontist deals with procedures involving pain in the interior of the tooth.

An orthodontist deals with correcting bites for both children and adults, whether for cosmetic or health reasons.

Now you know the difference! For more information and advice on a huge variety of topics, check out the rest of the site.