Many different dental specialists are available nowadays, and it is difficult to choose the right one as per your requirements. Two of the most common types of dental specialists are cosmetic dentists and general dentists. Both can diagnose and treat dental issues. Learning the differences between the two will help you choose the most suitable one for your oral health care.
After hearing the word dentistry, the first thing that comes to your mind is usually your teeth’ pearly white appearance. But dentistry doesn’t only focus on your teeth. It revolves around many other factors of oral diseases and oral care. When it is about your dental care, should you choose a cosmetic dentist or a general dentist? You’ll be glad to know that both of them are available in the dental group of Lubbock? Let us discuss the main differences between a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist, their expertise, and fees.
Here’s What You Need To Know
Cosmetic dentists and general dentists usually have the same level of education in their field. Both can do regular dental check-ups, teeth repairing and teeth whitening. Irrespective of their specialization, all dentists have completed either a DDS ( Doctor Of Dental Surgery) or DMD ( Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) degree. It means that whether the expert is a cosmetic dentist or a general dentist, they are equally qualified to consult for the first time. After that, you can make your mind whom to choose for the treatment based on the below-mentioned factors.
General Dentists
General dentists mainly focus on routine treatments and provide preventive dental care. They usually don’t have a specialty but are skilled in taking care of your gums, teeth, and mouth. However, qualified and dedicated general dentists keep updating their knowledge and enhancing their practices to provide better care for your oral health. They are experts in:
- Doing X-rays
- Evaluating your mouth
- Placing dental implants
- Root canal
- Dentures and fillings
Cosmetic Dentists
Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with the enhancement of your smile and the appearance of your teeth. Cosmetic dentists primarily focus on improving your dental aesthetics in shape, size, color, alignment, position, and the overall appearance of your smile. They rectify your facial structure, prevent tooth damage, bad breath, and improve your eating habits. If you want to improve your smile, consult a cosmetic dentist who offers dental services, including:
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Smile makeover
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Invisalign
- Porcelain veneers
- All-ceramic restorations
Why Choose Cosmetic Dentistry?
More and more people are looking forward to having a million-dollar smile and sparkling white teeth. Many people believe that a bright and healthy smile helps strike a business deal, land a job, or meet the love of their life. If you have stained and yellow teeth, you can whiten and clean them through cosmetic dental procedures. Cosmetic dentistry deals with beautifying your teeth by correcting misalignment and getting rid of an impairment or discoloration, which often leads to a flawed smile.
While a general dentist makes sure that you have healthy and strong teeth, a cosmetic dentist makes sure that you have a photogenic smile. A cosmetic dental surgeon can eliminate all the minor imperfections to enhance your look and overall confidence.
Some More Differences Between Cosmetic Dentists And General Dentists
The Training
A cosmetic dentist receives extensive training in several different procedures. On the other hand, a general dentist can perform basic treatments like root canals, dental fillings, and gingivitis treatment.
Though a cosmetic dentist treats gums and teeth problems, their goals differ from a general dentist. In training, they’re taught how to perform a general dental procedure with an aesthetic approach. For example, when a cosmetic dentist is implanting a posterior crown that is not visible from outside, the specialist will make sure that it blends flawlessly with other teeth.
Experience level
Every skilled dentist excels in performing different procedures. However, if you want to enhance your smile aesthetically, you should choose a cosmetic surgeon over a general doctor.
Do Their Fees Differ?
A cosmetic dentist’s primary focus is to give you a healthier and prettier smile; their treatments are typically more costly than a general dentist. In most cases, the price depends on how much time the dentist spends on treating you. You have to pay for the general tests.
American Dental Association doesn’t recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty. It is considered to be one of the fields dentists can choose to practice. However, the goals of both two fields are to help patients enhance their smile and oral health.
