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Orthodontists
vs dentists

At The Bachmayer Orthodontic Clinic, we’re a team of passionate, specialist orthodontic professionals who love nothing more than seeing our patients leave with a confident, healthy smile. While orthodontists and dentists both play an important role in maintaining your oral health, they each bring different skills and training to the table.

We often get asked: “What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?” It’s a great question - and one that’s especially important when choosing the right type of care for you or your child.

Orthodontists and dentists work closely together to support your overall dental health, but their areas of expertise vary. Below, we’ve put together a helpful comparison table to highlight where their skills align - and where they differ - so you can feel confident about who to see and when.

Whether you’re after routine dental care or exploring teeth straightening options, understanding the difference is a great first step on your smile journey.
Orthodontists vs dentists
ORTHODONTIST DENTIST
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years) ✓ ✓
Master of Orthodontics (MOrth) (3 years) ✓
Dental Board of Australia ✓
Membership of professional orthodontic bodies, eg. Australian Society of Orthodontists ✓ ✓
ORTHODONTIST DENTIST
General 6-month check up ✓
Fillings & extractions ✓
Cleaning & polishing ✓
Advises on overall oral health of teeth and gums ✓ ✓
Fitting of orthodontic appliances, such as braces & Invisalign aligners ✓ Some general dentists may fit braces and Invisalign but they are not specialists in orthodontics
ORTHODONTIST DENTIST
Is specifically trained in the movement of teeth and bite issues ✓
Recommends and treats patients after assessing overall facial profile ✓
Uses the latest in orthodontic technology for the benefit of patients ✓
Attends regular training on developments in the orthodontic industry ✓
Is a member of The Invisible Orthodontist (TIO) Network Not all orthodontists are members of TIO but those that are demonstrate further commitment to promoting invisible orthodontic treatment.
Start your journey to a straighter smile!

Start your journey
to a straighter smile!

There’s never been a better time to take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Our friendly team at The Bachmayer Orthodontic Clinic is here to guide you every step of the way - offering personalised care, expert advice, and treatment options that suit your lifestyle.

Book your consultation today and discover what’s possible for your smile.
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Orthodontist Dr Helen Moon in Norwest and Tallawong

Dr Helen Moon, Specialist Orthodontist Sydney

Orthodontic Specialist
Dr. Helen Moon is an orthodontist who has taken the scenic route to perfecting smiles. After earning her Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) from the University of Queensland, she moved halfway across the globe to complete a Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Manitoba. She's now qualified as a specialist orthodontist in Australia, Canada, and the USA because why settle for one country when you can have three?

Her research has been featured at international conferences, and she's a fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a member of the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) and CAO (Canadian Association of Orthodontists).

Dr. Moon is passionate about providing evidence-based, personalised care, with a special interest in digital orthodontics and clear aligner therapy. She has also completed the Aligner Intensive Fellowship, an advanced training program in aligner treatment, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest techniques in orthodontic care. With a knack for spotting the little details that make a big difference, she loves helping patients achieve smiles they’re proud to show off.

During her time in Canada, Dr. Moon embraced the cold with skiing, chasing the northern lights, and surviving temperatures that could freeze your eyelashes. Now back in sunny Sydney, she’s swapped snow for sand and spends her time playing tennis, scuba diving, and enjoying life without five layers of clothing.
Dr David Bachmayer, Specialist Orthodontist Sydney

Dr David Bachmayer

Orthodontic Specialist
Dr David Bachmayer graduated as a dentist from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, in 1979 (cum laude). After practising General Dentistry for three years, he went on to study orthodontics at the University of Toronto, where he received a Diploma in Orthodontics and a Master of Science.

Since arriving in Australia in 1986, David has maintained his private orthodontic practice in Norwest. He has been a tutor in orthodontics at the University of Sydney and has also been a visiting Dental Officer at the Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Dr Bachmayer was awarded the prestigious Harry Sicher Award by the American Association of Orthodontists for his research on children born with cleft lip and palate.

David has a special interest in clear aligner orthodontics and has received the Diamond Invisalign® Provider status. When he isn’t straightening smiles, he can be found paddling his surfski on Sydney Harbour.