Who does what
| Orthodontist | Prosthodontist | |
|---|---|---|
| Training in India | BDS, then a three-year MDS in Orthodontics | BDS, then a three-year MDS in Prosthodontics |
| Main goal | Move teeth and correct the bite | Replace and rebuild teeth |
| Treatments | Metal and ceramic braces, Invisalign and clear aligners, retainers, early treatment for children | Implant teeth, crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, full-mouth rehabilitation |
Which specialist for your problem
| Problem | Start with |
|---|---|
| Crooked or crowded teeth | Orthodontist |
| Gaps between teeth | Orthodontist, or bonding for small gaps |
| Overbite, underbite or crossbite | Orthodontist |
| One or more missing teeth | Prosthodontist |
| Broken, heavily filled or worn teeth | Prosthodontist |
| Loose or uncomfortable dentures | Prosthodontist |
| Missing teeth plus crooked teeth | Both, planned together |
| Worn teeth and a collapsed bite | Both, often with full-mouth rehabilitation |
When you need both
Many adult cases are a mix. Teeth drift into a gap left by an extraction, so there’s no longer room for an implant. Front teeth are uneven and worn, and veneers alone would mean removing a lot of tooth. In these cases, short orthodontic treatment, often with aligners, moves teeth into a better position first. The prosthodontist then replaces or rebuilds them with less drilling and a better result.
At Petal Smiles
Petal Smiles is owned by prosthodontist Dr. Adish Chaudhary, and our orthodontist is part of the same team, so a combined case is planned once, in one clinic, with one written estimate. Book a consultation and tell us what you’d like to change. See our dental specialists.
Questions patients ask us
Can a prosthodontist fix crooked teeth?
Not by moving them. A prosthodontist can disguise mild unevenness with veneers or crowns, but moving teeth is the orthodontist's work, and it often means fewer veneers later.
Can an orthodontist place dental implants?
No. Implants are placed by an implantologist or oral surgeon, and the teeth on them are designed by a prosthodontist. An orthodontist may move teeth first to make the right space for an implant.
What if I have crooked teeth and missing teeth?
Usually the orthodontist straightens and spaces the teeth first, then the prosthodontist replaces the missing ones. Planning both at the start gets the spacing right for the final teeth.
Do I need to book them separately?
No. Book one consultation and tell us what's bothering you. You'll see the specialist your treatment needs, and both if it needs both.
Is full-mouth rehabilitation done by an orthodontist?
It's led by a prosthodontist. An orthodontist may be part of the plan if teeth need moving first.
Sources
American College of Prosthodontists: why see a prosthodontist ↗NHS: braces and aligners ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.