By Dr. Liseane Koga, DDS · Koga Orthodontics · Monroe, LA
“My dentist said they can do my braces.” It’s one of the most common things we hear from new patients at Koga Orthodontics. In Louisiana, a general dentist is legally allowed to provide orthodontic treatment — and many offer it as a service. So why do many families still choose a specialist?
The answer comes down to training, experience, and the nature of orthodontics itself. This post breaks down the actual difference between a dentist and an orthodontist, when you need a specialist, and how to tell the difference.
Training difference: the core of it
General dentist
– Four years of dental school (DDS or DMD degree)
– Training covers the full range of dental care: fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, cleanings, basic orthodontics
– Orthodontics is a small portion of dental school — typically a few weeks
– Some dentists pursue continuing education in orthodontics after dental school
Orthodontist
– Four years of dental school (same as dentists)
– **Plus 2–3 additional years of full-time residency** dedicated exclusively to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
– Residency includes thousands of supervised cases covering the full complexity of orthodontic treatment
– Board certification is available after residency for those who pursue it
– Specialists are legally allowed to call themselves “orthodontists”; general dentists are not
The residency is where the actual specialist training happens. Those 2–3 years represent roughly 4,000 additional hours of clinical experience focused only on tooth movement, jaw development, bite correction, and growth guidance — things general dentists touched on briefly in dental school.
What each does differently
A general dentist handles:
– Routine cleanings and exams
– Cavities and fillings
– Crowns and bridges
– Root canals
– Extractions (routine)
– Gum disease treatment (basic)
– Cosmetic procedures (whitening, veneers)
– Sometimes, simple orthodontic cases (mild crowding, minor alignment)
An orthodontist handles:
– Complex bite correction (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
– Severe crowding requiring extraction or expansion
– Jaw growth guidance in children
– Orthodontic treatment for teens and adults
– Specialized appliances (palatal expanders, space maintainers, habit appliances)
– Pre-surgical orthodontics for jaw surgery candidates
– Management of unusual tooth eruption patterns
– Airway-focused orthodontics for children with sleep or breathing issues
When you walk into an orthodontic specialist’s office, you’re entering a practice where every patient has an orthodontic reason to be there. The staff is trained on orthodontic emergencies. The office layout and tools are optimized for orthodontic treatment.
When you need a specialist
Consider seeing an orthodontist (not a general dentist offering braces) if:
– Your child needs an evaluation under age 12 (growth guidance is specialty territory)
– Your case involves any bite problem, not just straightening
– You’ve been told you need extractions to make room
– You’re considering jaw surgery in addition to orthodontics
– Your teen or adult case is complex (severe crowding, rotation, open bite, severe overjet)
– You’ve had orthodontic treatment before and need re-treatment
– Your general dentist has recommended a specialist — listen to them
– Your insurance specifically covers “orthodontic specialist” treatment
For very mild cosmetic cases — minor alignment of front teeth only, no bite involvement — a general dentist with orthodontic continuing education may be appropriate. But for anything more than that, the specialty training matters.
How to verify a specialist
Ask directly: “Is the treating doctor a specialist in orthodontics — did they complete an orthodontic residency?”
A specialist will readily tell you:
– Where they went to dental school
– Where they completed orthodontic residency
– Years practicing as an orthodontic specialist
– Board certification status (if applicable)
A general dentist might say “yes, I do braces” or “I’ve taken courses in orthodontics.” That’s not the same as completing a multi-year specialty residency.
Look for these credentials:
– DDS or DMD — dental degree (both dentists and orthodontists have one)
– MS (Orthodontics) or similar — residency completion
– AAO (American Orthodontics Association) certification — optional specialist board certification
About Koga Orthodontics
Dr. Liseane Koga is a specialist orthodontist — DDS plus post-graduate residency in orthodontics. She has more than 15 years of experience as an orthodontist. She has personally owned and operated Koga Orthodontics since 2022, following Dr. Hummel’s 37-year tenure before her. The practice is orthodontics-only — we don’t do fillings, cleanings, or crowns. Every patient walks in because their care is what we specialize in.
We coordinate closely with Monroe-area general dentists. Many of our referrals come from local dentists who know when a case is beyond general-practice scope.
Frequently asked questions
Is it more expensive to see an orthodontist than a general dentist?
Pricing varies. Often they’re comparable. And sometimes specialist treatment is more cost-effective because the case is diagnosed and treated correctly from the start, without extended treatment time.
Will my insurance cover a specialist?
Most dental insurance plans explicitly include orthodontic coverage. We verify during your free consultation.
Does my dentist have to refer me?
No. You can self-refer directly to a specialist. We don’t require referrals.
Can I see my dentist for cleanings while seeing you for braces?
Absolutely — and you should. Continue your dental cleanings every six months during orthodontic treatment.
What if my dentist says they can do my case?
Get a second opinion from a specialist before deciding. A free consultation at any Koga office takes an hour and costs you nothing.
Book a specialist consultation
Free initial consultations at all four Koga locations. Call or book online at kogaortho.com.
— Dr. Liseane Koga, DDS · Doctor-Owner · Koga Orthodontics