What is the Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist?

A general dentist takes care of the basic dental needs of your entire family, while an aesthetic dentist focuses more on the aesthetics of the patient's smile. Both cosmetic and general dentists can fill a cavity, but a cosmetic dentist has additional training in many different procedures. Aesthetic dentists learn to solve dental problems taking into account the aesthetics of the smile, while still considering the health of their teeth and gums. They receive additional training in how to make even general procedures look good, such as posterior crowns.

If you visit a cosmetic dentist to whiten your teeth, you must first clean your teeth for the procedure to work well. X-rays may also be taken before any chosen procedure. Family dentists and cosmetic dentists are both committed to your oral health, but they have different approaches and priorities. Cosmetic dentists have specialized in understanding your aesthetic needs and can suggest treatments to achieve the ideal smile.

They attend more seminars and training after finishing dental school than general dentists do. Dental insurance providers consider cosmetic dentistry to be optional and therefore beyond the scope of insurance, although cosmetic jobs that also provide a functional benefit, such as restoration of tooth structure, may be covered by 50 percent. While general dentists can perform these services, they are not specially trained and have the same experience that a cosmetic dentist will have. When it comes to dental care, it is important to understand the differences between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist.

A general dentist takes care of basic dental needs for your entire family, while an aesthetic dentist focuses more on the aesthetics of your smile. Cosmetic dentists have additional training in many different procedures and attend more seminars and training after finishing dental school than general dentists do. Dental insurance providers consider cosmetic dentistry to be optional and therefore beyond the scope of insurance.

Rex Hazy
Rex Hazy

Evil coffee geek. Subtly charming music maven. Typical pop culture lover. Wannabe travel junkie. Creator. Certified travel fanatic.