Looking for Patient Forms?
In our line of work, one of the most common questions we receive from patients is, “What’s the difference between general and cosmetic dentistry?”. In a nutshell, general dentistry focuses on preventing and treating oral disease while cosmetic dentistry deals with the overall aesthetic appearance of teeth. Knowing the difference between the two can help you figure out which service or dentist is right for you.
However, one important thing to know is that all dentists have earned either a DMD or DDS degree. This means that whether your dentist specializes in general or cosmetic dentistry, they’re perfectly qualified to treat your dental problems! All dentists start off as general dentists and can eventually become cosmetic dentists if they continue their training by attending programs dedicated to cosmetic dentistry.
Below, we further break down the differences between general and cosmetic dentistry:
However, one important thing to know is that all dentists have earned either a DMD or DDS degree. This means that whether your dentist specializes in general or cosmetic dentistry, they’re perfectly qualified to treat your dental problems! All dentists start off as general dentists and can eventually become cosmetic dentists if they continue their training by attending programs dedicated to cosmetic dentistry.
Below, we further break down the differences between general and cosmetic dentistry:
General Dentistry General dentists address dental problems associated with pain, discomfort, and oral hygiene. Some of the general dentistry procedures we perform at Premier General Dentistry typically include root canals, tooth extractions, and filling cavities. General dentists can also perform a limited range of cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and bonding.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Want to make your teeth’s appearance look better? A cosmetic dentist can help you with that. In other words, cosmetic dentists are primarily concerned with the way your teeth looks. Our cosmetic dentists usually perform the following procedures: porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, inlays and onlays, fixed implant, dentures, tooth-colored fillings, and a smile makeover.
While there are differences to general and cosmetic dentistry, sometimes the two overlap in certain situations. For example, if a patient has a decaying tooth, the tooth needs to be extracted (general dentistry) to prevent the decay from spreading further. But upon extraction, the appearance of the smile is changed. The patient can opt to get porcelain veneers (cosmetic dentistry) to replace the missing tooth. Ultimately, it can be said that there is no definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry.
At Premier General Dentistry, we offer a full range of both general and cosmetic dentistry services. We cater to Wellington residents of all ages: children, teens, and adults. Our dentists and team are all experienced dental professionals who work with you to know your individual needs and give you the best care possible.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Want to make your teeth’s appearance look better? A cosmetic dentist can help you with that. In other words, cosmetic dentists are primarily concerned with the way your teeth looks. Our cosmetic dentists usually perform the following procedures: porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, inlays and onlays, fixed implant, dentures, tooth-colored fillings, and a smile makeover.
While there are differences to general and cosmetic dentistry, sometimes the two overlap in certain situations. For example, if a patient has a decaying tooth, the tooth needs to be extracted (general dentistry) to prevent the decay from spreading further. But upon extraction, the appearance of the smile is changed. The patient can opt to get porcelain veneers (cosmetic dentistry) to replace the missing tooth. Ultimately, it can be said that there is no definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry.
At Premier General Dentistry, we offer a full range of both general and cosmetic dentistry services. We cater to Wellington residents of all ages: children, teens, and adults. Our dentists and team are all experienced dental professionals who work with you to know your individual needs and give you the best care possible.
