AI Summary: All orthodontists are dentists, but only 5% of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist completes 2–3 years of additional full-time residency focusing exclusively on tooth movement and jaw alignment, ensuring your bite is functional, not just whether your teeth are straight.

The “Specialist” Difference

While many general dentists in Kirkland offer Invisalign, they are often treating the “social six” (the front teeth). An orthodontist like Dr. Michelle Neal looks at the entire foundation:

• 3,000+ Hours of Extra Training: Dr. Neal spent thousands of additional hours studying biomechanics and dentofacial orthopedics.
• Complex Bite Correction: A dentist may straighten your teeth, but an orthodontist ensures your jaw joints (TMJ) and bite align correctly to prevent long-term wear and pain.
• The “98% Rule”: Specialists can treat complex cases that general dentists often have to refer out mid-treatment.

Pro Tip: You wouldn’t ask your primary care doctor to perform heart surgery. When it comes to moving the bones in your face, trust the specialist who does it all day, every day.