The stains on your teeth are making it hard to look in the mirror most mornings. You know you want to do something about it but trying to determine which dental professional is best for removing stains isn’t always easy. You have your general dentist, but do they take care of cosmetic problems? To help alleviate any confusion, let us share some of the differences between a general and cosmetic dentist, so you can get started on achieving a whiter, brighter smile.
Dental School vs. Additional Training: The Difference in Education
In order to practice dentistry of any kind, a general and cosmetic dentist must complete dental school and pass the medical board exam. Qualified to treat most normal dental problems, it’s only when they choose to specialize in a particular area of dentistry that they can add a specialized title.
A cosmetic dentist must pursue additional education and training in order to perform aesthetic-related procedures, such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, or even a full smile makeover.
Aesthetics vs. Preventive Care: The Difference in Specializations
While both are trained and qualified to care for general problems that can arise in a patient’s mouth, it is a regular dentist who addresses issues pertaining to damage, decay, injury, or pain as it relates to a person’s oral health. From checkups and cleanings to gum disease therapy and tooth extractions, a general dentist can not only fix the problem but also offer suggestions on how to practice better oral hygiene.
Some of the other types of procedures a general dentist can perform include:
- Oral cancer screenings
- Root canals
- Dental bleeding
- Cavities
- Missing or damaged and decayed teeth
- Misaligned teeth
Although a cosmetic dentist can address many of the issues listed above, their focus is designed to help a person’s smile look its best while achieving optimal oral health. Many believe cosmetic dentistry is an art form that takes skill, determination, and patience. Many of the procedures a cosmetic dentist performs require sculpting, shaping, and careful placement to ensure a patient’s smile looks natural. This is why additional education and experience are required in order to practice.
Whether it is porcelain veneers, direct bonding, Invisalign, metal-free restorations, or teeth whitening, a cosmetic dentist can fix any imperfections or abnormalities to give your smile a fully transformed appearance.
The differences that exist between a general and cosmetic dentist are evident, but you should never feel as if your oral health is in jeopardy. Both have DDS or DMD degrees and are qualified to help in problematic situations, but if you want someone who has the type of skill and expertise to give your smile a boost in its appearance, it’s best to find a qualified cosmetic dentist near you.
About the Practice
The team of expert dental professionals at Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry want to help care for you and your family’s smiles today. Offering comprehensive services that range from preventive care to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, you will find individuals who are passionate and committed to helping you with all your dental needs. Unsure which dentist you should see for a particular problem or concern, allow us to help by checking out our website or calling (540) 432-6616.