What is the difference between a dentist and a cosmetic dentist?

by Dentist Inglewood

Welcome to New Image Dental, where we are committed to providing exceptional dental care to our patients in Los Angeles. In this post, we will be discussing the difference between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist. Many patients are often confused about which type of dentist they should see, especially when it comes to cosmetic dental procedures. The purpose of this post is to help clarify the differences between these two types of dentists and their areas of expertise so that our patients can make informed decisions about their oral health and cosmetic dental treatments.

What is a General Dentist?

A general dentist is a dental professional who provides a range of preventive and restorative dental services to maintain and improve overall oral health. General dentists diagnose and treat common dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. They also perform routine dental cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Some of the common services that a general dentist provides include:

• Comprehensive Oral Exams
• Dental Cleanings
• Dental Fillings
• Crowns and Bridges
• Root Canal Therapy
• Extractions
• Treatment for Gum Disease
• Oral Cancer Screenings
• Treatment for TMJ Disorders

General dentists also provide education and advice to their patients on how to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly and maintaining a healthy diet. They work with patients of all ages, from children to older adults, to help them achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile in Los Angeles.

What is a Cosmetic Dentist?

A cosmetic dentist is a dental professional who focuses on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and bites. They provide a range of cosmetic dental procedures to enhance the aesthetic appearance of a patient’s smile. Cosmetic dentists typically use advanced dental technology and techniques to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results. Some of the common services that a cosmetic dentist provides include:

• Teeth Whitening
• Porcelain Veneers
• Dental Bonding
• SureSmile® or other Orthodontic Treatments
• Dental Implants
• Gum Contouring
• Smile Makeovers

Cosmetic dentists often work closely with their patients to customize their treatments to achieve their desired results. At New Image Dental in Los Angeles, we use digital imaging software or other tools to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Cosmetic dental treatments not only enhance the appearance of a patient’s smile but can also improve their overall self-confidence and quality of life.

The Key Differences Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist

The main difference between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist is the focus of their work. While both types of dentists have received extensive education and training in dentistry, they have different areas of expertise.

A general dentist focuses on the overall oral health of their patients. They diagnose and treat common dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay, and perform routine dental cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They also provide education and advice to their patients on how to maintain good oral hygiene habits.

On the other hand, a cosmetic dentist focuses on improving the appearance of a patient’s teeth, gums, and bites. They provide a range of cosmetic dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and smile makeovers.

Cosmetic dentists use advanced dental technology and techniques to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results, customizing treatments to meet their patients’ specific goals.

While cosmetic dentists can also provide general dental services, such as routine dental cleanings and fillings, their main focus is on cosmetic treatments. Conversely, a general dentist may also provide some cosmetic services, but their main focus is on overall oral health.

In summary, while both types of dentists play an important role in maintaining and improving oral health, their areas of expertise differ. Cosmetic dentists focus on improving the appearance of teeth, while general dentists focus on overall oral health. Patients need to consult with their dentist to determine which type of treatment is right for them.

Which Type of Dentist Should You Choose?

If you’re unsure whether you need a general dentist or a cosmetic dentist, it’s important to consider your specific dental needs and goals. If you’re experiencing common dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, or tooth decay, a general dentist would be the best choice. They will diagnose and treat these issues and provide routine dental care to maintain overall oral health.

However, if you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile, a cosmetic dentist would be the best choice. They will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to enhance the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, gums, and bite. Cosmetic dental treatments can include teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and orthodontic treatments like SureSmile®.

It’s important to note that some cosmetic treatments may also benefit overall oral health. For example, orthodontic treatments can improve the alignment of teeth, making them easier to clean and reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose a general dentist or a cosmetic dentist depends on your specific dental needs and goals. It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine which type of treatment is right for you. Your dentist will be able to assess your oral health and provide guidance on the best course of action to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

In summary, while both general dentists and cosmetic dentists play important roles in maintaining and improving oral health, they have different areas of expertise. General dentists focus on overall oral health, while cosmetic dentists focus on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and bite. Patients should consider their specific dental needs and goals when deciding which type of dentist to choose.

At New Image Dental, we offer both general dental and cosmetic dental services to meet the needs of our patients. Our experienced dentists use advanced dental technology and techniques to provide high-quality, personalized dental care. We welcome you to visit our dental office or contact us to schedule an appointment to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.