Within the world of dentistry, there are many different kinds of specialists. Two of the most common are general dentists and cosmetic dentists. But how do you know which of these two types of dentists to choose when you need a procedure performed?
A large portion of your decision is based on exactly what type of procedure you need to be done, so let’s take a look at each of these types of dental professionals and what they specialize in.
What is a General Dentist?
General dentists are professionals who provide primary dental healthcare for adults and children. Their training includes learning about a wide variety of dental health practices and procedures, specifically those that focus on keeping teeth, mouth, and gums healthy.
General dentists are almost constantly learning and often take continuing education classes to help keep their skills up to date and in line with the latest scientific advancements.
What is a Cosmetic Dentist?
As their name suggests, cosmetic dentists specialize in procedures that have to do with the appearance of your teeth. In recent years, more people have become concerned about the appearance of their teeth, which has led to substantial growth within the cosmetic dentistry industry.
They receive the same basic training general dentists do, but in practice, they focus on the aesthetic appearance of teeth, gums, and mouths. Additionally, they also attend specialized continuing education classes to ensure they’re up to date on the latest techniques and advancements in the field.
What’s the Difference Between General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentists can do some of the same types of procedures that general dentists can, like filling cavities or applying braces, but there are some key differences between them and general dentists.
General dentists are best studied to help with oral hygiene needs, like:
- Preventative dentistry (Regular cleanings, etc.)
- Tooth pain or discomfort
- Annual x-rays
- Fillings
- Root Canals
- Tooth extraction
- Gingivitis
- Dentures
Cosmetic dentists, on the other hand, can help with more aesthetic dental needs, like:
- Teeth whitening
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Onlays
- Implants
- Bridges
- CEREC restorations
- Repairing broken or chipped teeth