Posted on April 22, 2026
When you think about taking care of your teeth, your mind probably goes straight to your regular six-month cleaning. You think about toothbrushes, fluoride, and the occasional filling. But then, you or your child might notice a bit of crowding, a gap that won’t close, or a jaw that doesn’t quite sit right. Suddenly, you’re hearing a new term: Orthodontist.
Are they the same thing? If your dentist does “clear aligners,” do you still need a specialist?
At MI Smile Journey, we believe that a well-informed patient is a confident one. Dr. Thomas and our team work alongside your general dentist to ensure your oral health is comprehensive. While both professionals work to keep your mouth healthy, their areas of expertise are quite different. It’s a lot like the difference between your family doctor and a bone specialist—both are essential, but they handle very different parts of your well-being.
Think of your general dentist as the “quarterback” of your oral health. They are the ones you see for your routine maintenance. Their primary focus is on the health of your teeth, gums, and the soft tissues of your mouth.
A dentist typically handles:
Professional cleanings and exams.
Filling cavities and treating tooth decay.
Root canals and crowns.
Gum disease management.
Whitening and general cosmetic bonding.
If you have a toothache or need a check-up before the next Frankenmuth festival, your dentist is your first stop. They ensure the “foundation” of your mouth is clean, stable, and disease-free.
All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists. To become a specialist, a dentist must complete an additional two to three years of full-time, university-based residency after dental school. This rigorous training focuses exclusively on “orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.”
While a dentist focuses on the health of the individual teeth, an orthodontist in Saginaw or an orthodontist in Frankenmuth focuses on how those teeth fit together and how the jaws align. They are the “engineers” of the smile. At MI Smile Journey, we look at the big picture—the facial profile, the airway, and the long-term stability of the bite.
An orthodontist typically handles:
Correcting crowded or crooked teeth.
Fixing overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Managing jaw growth in children (Phase One treatment).
Utilizing braces and specialized clear aligner protocols.
Closing gaps and ensuring teeth are positioned for optimal function.
Choosing a specialized orthodontist in Frankenmuth or a dedicated orthodontist in Saginaw means you are trusting someone who spends 100% of their time moving teeth and aligning jaws. That level of repetition and specialization leads to results that aren’t just beautiful, but healthy for your jaw joints and easier to keep clean for life.
Saginaw and Frankenmuth are communities built on teamwork and local pride. From the coordinated efforts of the local businesses during Zehnder’s Snowfest to the collaborative spirit in Saginaw’s business districts, we know that things work better when specialists work together.
The same applies to your smile. Dr. Thomas maintains a close relationship with general dentists throughout the region. We often coordinate treatments, ensuring that any dental work you need (like a cleaning or a filling) is perfectly timed with your orthodontic adjustments. This “team-based” approach is why MI Smile Journey is a preferred destination for families looking for a specialized orthodontist in Saginaw.
The Age 7 Milestone: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit by age seven. A dentist might see “straight teeth,” but an orthodontist can see jaw issues that are just beginning to develop.
Difficulty Chewing: If you find it hard to bite into a sandwich or if your jaw “clicks,” it’s time for an orthodontic evaluation.
Mouth Breathing: Sometimes, a narrow jaw can impact how a child breathes. We look at the “dentofacial” structure to help.
The “Social” Smile: If you or your teen is hiding your smile in photos at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo, we can help build that confidence.
Q: Do I need a referral from my dentist to see Dr. Thomas?
A: Not at all! While many dentists refer their patients to us, you are always welcome to book a complimentary consultation directly. We love meeting new neighbors from across Frankenmuth and Saginaw.
Q: Can’t my dentist just do my aligners?
A: Some dentists offer basic tooth movement. However, an orthodontist has thousands of hours of additional training in the complex physics of tooth movement and jaw alignment. If your case involves more than just a minor aesthetic shift, seeing a specialist is highly recommended for a safe and stable result.
Q: How often will I still see my dentist while in braces?
A: Even more often than usual! It is vital to keep up with your six-month cleanings with your dentist to ensure no cavities develop while your teeth are moving.
Q: Does it cost more to see an orthodontist?
A: Consultation at MI Smile Journey is often complimentary, and our pricing is competitive. Because we specialize, we can often find the most efficient path to your goal, potentially saving you time and money on future dental issues caused by a poor bite.
Understanding the roles of your dental team is the first step toward a healthier life. Your dentist keeps your teeth healthy; Dr. Thomas makes sure they are in the right place. Together, we ensure you can enjoy all the treats at the Frankenmuth cheese shops and smile brightly at every Saginaw community event. Whether you’re looking for early intervention for your child or a “forever smile” for yourself, we are here to help you navigate the process with ease and expertise.
Ready to see the difference a specialist can make? Click here to book your complimentary consultation with Dr. Thomas at MI Smile Journey!
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
