When you’re in need of dental work, it’s important to know the difference between various dentistry specialties. A cosmetic dentist and a general dentist may seem similar, but they each have unique skills that set them apart. The better you understand the differences, the more prepared you will be to make the right choice to meet your dental needs.
What is General Dentistry?
A general dentist practices primary dentistry to address oral hygiene, discomfort, and dental pain. They are skilled in performing procedures such as root canals, extractions, and filling cavities. You would visit a general dentist for your primary dental care for your six-month checkups and cleanings.
A general dentist can offer a wide range of services for your oral health. If you are concerned about the overall health of your teeth and gums, you should visit your general dentist. They can diagnose, provide preventative treatments, perform X-rays, and conduct an in-depth review of your oral health.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on dental aesthetics. A cosmetic dentist’s primary goal is to help improve the appearance of your teeth. They help repair worn, discolored, chipped, broken, and misshapen teeth. They can also fix tooth gaps and help with stain removal. A cosmetic dentist can provide teeth and gum whitening, dental crowns and implants, veneers, inlays and onlays, and dental bonding.
A cosmetic dentist must undergo extensive training in many procedures. They are trained to ensure that veneers, crowns, and other fixes to your teeth are done well and blend flawlessly with your natural teeth. Cosmetic dentists stay up to date on the latest innovations in the field and may cost more than a general dentist.
What is the Difference Between the Two?
A cosmetic dentist has some of the same basic training as a general dentist, with additional education and extensive training that allows them to care for your teeth. For you to have aesthetic work done, your teeth must be in good health. The main difference is that you need to visit your regular dentist for dental care such as cleanings, diagnosis, and more. To help improve the look of your teeth, you need to visit a cosmetic dentist, who can remove stains and fix broken teeth.
Who Should You Visit?
Deciding between a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist depends on your needs. For your primary dental needs, such as cleanings or wanting to address oral pain and discomfort, visit your general dentist. If you want your teeth to look their best, a cosmetic dentist can help you address the appearance with professional whitening, veneers, and more. Your best bet is to schedule with a practice that handles both to ensure you can achieve the smile of your dreams.
If you want your smile to look it’s best, contact Loren J. Grossman & Steven Hippeli General & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment today.
