What Is the Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist?

Several dental specialists exist today, making it a bit hard to know which one you need to see. Two of the most common types are the general dentist and the cosmetic dentist. Both can perform patient examinations and other comparable duties. Learning their difference will help you choose which one is best suited for you, depending on your oral health care needs.

What You Need to Know

General dentists and cosmetic dentists typically have the same initial education in their field. Both can perform regular procedures like dental checkups, teeth whitening, and repairing teeth. But some aspects set the two apart, including:

General Dentists. 

General dentists primarily focus on preventive dental care and routine treatments. They don’t have a specialty but are qualified in the standard approaches in taking care of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Their education doesn’t end either, as general dentists continuously enhance their practice to learn new techniques to better care for your oral health. They are skilled in various procedures related to:

1.     Evaluating your mouth.

2.     Taking X-rays.

3.     Dental Implants.

4.     Root Canal.

5.     Fillings and Dentures.

Cosmetic Dentists. 

On the other hand, cosmetic dentists are also concerned with the look of your smile. They try to provide the best oral care possible and offer most, if not all, of the abovementioned functions as general dentists. But they do this while also emphasizing how your smile will look. Cosmetic dentists attend additional professional courses and programs. This way, they can acquire specific training and develop certain skills in the field of aesthetics. As a result, cosmetic dentists are expected to be better trained when performing smile makeovers and other aesthetics-related dental treatments. Anyone who wants to improve their smile will benefit from a cosmetic dentist who can perform other dental services, including:

1.     Dental Crowns.
2.     Tooth-Colored Fillings.
3.     Porcelain Veneers.
4.     Invisalign^®.
5.     All-Ceramic Restorations.

Who Do You Need?

Cosmetic dentists have undergone similar fundamental training as general dentists. This means that a cosmetic dentist can also check and clean your teeth, take X-rays, and fill cavities. Both can perform basic techniques, such as adding crowns, bridges, or veneers, and even applying braces.

If you require basic dental care, a general dentist is well-suited for you and your family. The dentist can provide services to address your basic dental services needs like teeth-cleaning and more. As previously mentioned, their primary focus is on the health of your mouth.

For individuals who have issues with how their teeth look, a cosmetic dentist may be a better option. For example, while both are trained in filling cavities, a cosmetic dentist will likely apply composite fillings. Since they focus on aesthetics, your cosmetic dentist will use a design that will match your teeth’s color. They are perfect for patients who want not only to guarantee their mouth’s health but also to restore their youthful and natural-looking smile.

 

While these two have their differences, there are situations that their practice sometimes overlaps. At The Center of Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of general and cosmetic dental care services. Call any of our offices at (850) 810-0300 (Destin) , (850) 810-0600 (Panama City Beach), and Navarre, Florida, to schedule your consultation.