Knowing the difference between a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist is critical when deciding who to see in the event of a dental emergency. Cosmetic and general dentists are both professionals who can take care of your dental health and improve your smile. However, they differ in training and experience due to what they deal with on a daily basis.
Suppose you have a dental problem that needs to be addressed. In that case, you want to be sure that the dentist you see can successfully resolve the issue. At this point, you might be torn between visiting a cosmetic and a general dentist. However, you shouldn’t. The response should be dependent on the dental issue, which comes down to knowing which dentist handles what.
For instance, if you experience painful teeth or need preventive care services, you should visit a general dentist. If your concern is about the quality of your smile, then you need to see a cosmetic dentist. To help you make a better decision on who to see between these two dentists, continue reading.
Similarities And Differences Between A Cosmetic And General Dentist
Generally, general dentists and Cosmetic Dentist in Columbia, MO, undergo similar initial training and education. They perform similar general dental treatments such as fillings, regular checkups, and dental crowns. They can also take care of cavities and teeth in a bad state. Additionally, if you’re looking for oral hygiene advice or teeth whitening, you can get these services in both clinics. Nevertheless, some factors differentiate between the two types of dentists.
The significant difference between a cosmetic and a general dentist is additional training. A general dentist mainly specializes in preventive care and regular treatments, but it doesn’t mean that a cosmetic dentist can’t get involved in these. However, special courses or programs, as well as field training, are required to improve skills in improving the appearance of teeth and smiles. Therefore, a cosmetic dentist must have the required training to excel in what they do.
Even with that in mind, the question remains: Who should you see between a cosmetic and a general dentist? The answer is simple. The following factors should be considered while deciding between a general and cosmetic dentist:
The Treatment Goal
The reason for your treatment is the first thing to consider before deciding whether to see a cosmetic or a general dentist. It’s, therefore, important to understand what they both do. As far as cosmetic dentists are concerned, they’re trained to perform dental procedures to improve one’s aesthetic appearance. For example, if you’re looking forward to having white teeth and a better bite, you should consider seeing a cosmetic dentist.
Other procedures that a cosmetic dentist performs include:
- Veneers installation: These are porcelain installed on top of a tooth to conceal blemishes while improving shape and shade.
- Tooth shaping: This is done by removing tooth enamel segments to improve its shape for a desirable smile.
- Bonding: Tooth bonding refers to placing tooth-colored resin to correct chips, close gaps between teeth, and improve tooth shape.
- Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening includes bleaching teeth to remove stains and make teeth look whiter.
- Gum contouring: Individuals with gummy smiles require gum contouring to minimize gums for a better-looking smile.
On the other hand, a general dentist commonly deals with the dental diagnosis, treatment, and management of general oral care. Nevertheless, this doesn’t preclude the fact that a general dentist can’t install veneers or perform smile-improving procedures. The only distinction is that aesthetic dentists typically have greater experience with this kind of procedure.
Preventing Or Treating Dental Issues?
Seeing a general dentist might be a wise decision for patients looking for preventive care and dental treatments. It can be relaxing and comforting to know that you’re dealing with a professional who can relate to what you’re going through. General dentists are ideal when a patient doesn’t require particular procedures but is only looking for an expert who can perform typical dental cleaning and examinations.
Cost And Quality
Cost and quality should be on your list when choosing whether to see a cosmetic or general dentist. Generally, both cosmetic and general dentists charge almost similarly. The slight difference might be because of additional training and materials used.
For instance, a cosmetic dentist will advise you to have your dental procedures done with high-quality materials to enhance and preserve your smile. As a result, you might need to dig deeper into your pocket for such a costly procedure.
Final Words
Deciding who to see between a cosmetic and a general dentist isn’t challenging. All you need is to understand the difference between the two based on their specialization. Once you understand what they do, evaluate your needs and find a dentist who can better meet them.