Prosthodontists and orthodontists are two sides of the same dental coin. While orthodontists treat existing problem teeth, prosthodontists treat teeth that no longer exist. General dentists, orthodontists, and prosthodontists share similar skills, but they have different levels of specialized training. After graduating from dental school, both orthodontists and prosthodontists undergo additional specialized training for 3 to 5 years. Prosthodontists specialize in repairing natural teeth and replacing missing teeth.
They use dentures, dental implants, caps, or crowns to replace extracted or missing teeth. Prosthodontists also work with people with head and neck deformities, replacing missing parts of the jaw and face. They have access to state-of-the-art tools and are constantly trained in the newest forms of treatment. Prosthodontic specialists can also work with children who have missing or severely damaged teeth due to genetics or poor dental care. Orthodontists specialize in working with existing teeth rather than replacing them like a prosthodontist.
Most people are familiar with orthodontists, but they only hear about prosthodontists while in the dentist's chair. Both orthodontists and prosthodontists are dentists, but they are also dental specialists who have received 3 to 5 years of specialized training after graduating from dental school. They both play an important role in helping people maintain healthy teeth and gums.
