A pediatric dentist cares for your child’s overall dental health, while an orthodontist focuses on how the teeth and jaws line up and work together. Your child may need both because straightening teeth doesn’t replace cleanings, cavity prevention, or other regular dental care.
Here in Carlsbad, Dr. Afsoon Fazeli provides pediatric dental care, while Dr. Natalie Dang, our board-certified orthodontist, evaluates and treats concerns involving tooth alignment, bite, and jaw development. This allows us to care for your child’s teeth as they grow and provide orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults in the same office.
It’s the idea behind our promise: Your Child’s Dentist. Your Family’s Orthodontist.
Pediatric Dentist vs. Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?
Pediatric dentists and orthodontists first graduate from dental school and then complete additional specialty training. Pediatric dental training focuses on caring for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special healthcare needs. Orthodontic training focuses on moving teeth and aligning the jaws and bite.
Here’s how those roles compare:
| Pediatric Dentist | Orthodontist |
|---|---|
| Focuses on children’s overall dental health | Focuses on tooth and jaw alignment |
| Provides preventive and restorative dental care | Evaluates and treats orthodontic concerns |
| Helps keep teeth and gums healthy | Looks at how the teeth and bite fit together |
| Monitors oral health as a child grows | Monitors alignment and bite as a child grows |
| Completes advanced training focused on children’s dental care | Completes advanced training focused on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics |
| Continues regular dental care during orthodontic treatment | Provides orthodontic treatment when appropriate |
Dr. Afsoon Fazeli, DDS, MSD provides pediatric dental care, while Dr. Natalie Dang, DDS, MS provides orthodontic care as our board-certified orthodontist.
Why Might My Child Need Both?
Your child can have healthy, cavity-free teeth and still develop an orthodontic concern. In the same way, straightening teeth doesn’t replace exams, cleanings, cavity prevention, or other pediatric dental care.
Your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation if you or their pediatric dentist notices:
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Unusual spacing between teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- A jaw that shifts or clicks
- Ongoing mouth breathing
These signs don’t necessarily mean your child needs treatment right away. They mean it may be helpful for an orthodontist to take a closer look.
For a closer look at when children should be evaluated, read our guide to when your child should first see an orthodontist.
Does My Child Still Need Dental Checkups With Braces?
Yes, your child still needs regular dental checkups and cleanings during orthodontic treatment. Dr. Dang monitors how the teeth and bite are responding to treatment, while Dr. Fazeli and our pediatric dental team continue caring for your child’s teeth and gums.
This is especially important with braces because plaque and food can collect around the brackets and wires. Careful brushing and flossing at home, along with professional cleanings, help protect the enamel and gums throughout treatment.
When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. At this stage, children usually have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives an orthodontist useful information about how the teeth, bite, and jaws are developing.
An evaluation at this age doesn’t mean treatment needs to begin right away. Dr. Dang may recommend treatment, continued monitoring, or no treatment at all depending on what she sees.
When earlier treatment may be helpful, our early orthodontics page explains Phase 1 orthodontics in more detail.
What Are the Benefits of Having Both Specialists in One Office?
If your child needs an orthodontic evaluation, you don’t have to start over with an unfamiliar practice. Dr. Dang provides orthodontic care in the same place where your child sees Dr. Fazeli and our pediatric dental team.
That familiar setting can make the transition easier, especially for children who are already comfortable with our office and team. Your child’s regular dental care continues here while Dr. Dang handles their orthodontic evaluation and treatment.
Orthodontic care isn’t limited to children. Dr. Dang also treats teens and adults, so an older sibling or parent can receive adult orthodontic care here too.
That’s what we mean by Your Child’s Dentist. Your Family’s Orthodontist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pediatric dentist tell if my child may need orthodontic care?
Can a pediatric dentist do braces?
What happens at my child’s first orthodontic evaluation?
Does my child need a referral to see an orthodontist?
Does an orthodontic evaluation mean my child will need braces?
Your Child’s Dentist. Your Family’s Orthodontist.
Not sure whether your child is ready to see an orthodontist? You don’t have to make that decision on your own.
Schedule a free orthodontic consultation with Dr. Dang. She’ll evaluate your child’s teeth and bite, answer your questions, and explain whether treatment is recommended now or whether it makes sense to continue monitoring their development.
