When you are looking for a dental practitioner, be it a dentist in San Antonio, or a “dentist near you,” it is critical that you understand and assess your dental care needs. While both are trained dental professionals, their focus and approach for treatment between a standard dentist, and a cosmetic dentist is different. Here is what we can offer: a comprehensive understanding guide, for you to make the optimal decision for your dental goals!
What Does a Regular Dentist Do?
A standard dentist, also called a general dentist, is the provider that is in charge of your teeth. The overall objective of the standard dentist is to help people keep healthy mouths, prevent diseases from occurring in the mouth, and restore common dental problems. The standard dentist typically provides:
- Care to Prevent: Regular checkups, teeth cleaning, and oral exams can help keep cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems from happening.
- Restorative Treatments:Restorative treatments consist of fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals, all of which treat decayed, or broken down teeth.
- Basic Oral Surgery: One example of basic oral surgery is tooth extractions and other simple oral surgical procedures.
- Overall Health Monitoring: Monitoring overall health consists of watching for early signs and / or oral malignant lesions, infections, and other health-related problems that may have an effect on overall oral health.
Your standard dentist is the first line of defence in regard to keeping your smile healthy and monitoring that your teeth and gums work appropriately.
What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?
A cosmetic dentist is a dentist that can improve the look of your smile. Dentists are educated in general dentistry, but the primary purpose is to improve the look of your teeth, not just function. Here are some things cosmetic dentists in San Antonio and from around the world perform:
- Teeth Whitening: Professional treatments that remove stains and discoloration.
- Veneers: Thin porcelain or composite shells that go on the front of teeth to make them all look alike and bright.
- Bonding:Fixing chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth with composite resin.
- Smile Makeovers:Comprehensive treatment plans that involve one or multiple cosmetic procedures to enhance the appearance of your smile.
Cosmetic dentists utilize multiple facets of art and science to make a patient enhance their appearance while looking natural.
Key Differences Between Regular Dentists and Cosmetic Dentists
- Primary Focus
- Regular dentist’s priorities are in oral health and functionality.
- A Cosmetic Dentist’s work is in aesthetics while adhering to healthy teeth.
- Types of Services
- General dentistry involves preventive and restorative dental care.
- Cosmetic dentistry involves whitening, veneers, bonding, and full smile make-overs.
- Treatment Goals
- General treatment addresses prevention or restorative treatment after damage is certified.
- Cosmetic treatment centers around enhancing beauty and self-confidence.
- Insurance Coverage
- The majority of general dentistry is included and covered by dental insurance.
- Cosmetic treatments are more elective therefore insurance may not cover such treatments.
When Should You See a Dentist Regularly?
If you have tooth pain, gum issues, tooth decay, or need preventive services, you should visit a regular dentist in San Antonio. Regular dentists are also your best option for oral exams and teeth cleanings every six months.
When Should You Go To a Cosmetic Dentist?
If you don’t like your smile because it has stains, chips, gaps, or your teeth are not straight, a cosmetic dentist can help you. They have the best options to provide you with more than health-related solutions to get the smile you have always wanted.
Can You See Both?
Yes! In fact, many patients find they benefit from both options. You may see a general dentist for routine exams and a cosmetic dentist for whitening or veneers. Some clinics even have professionals, who have had dual training, to see you for all your care in the same office.
Final Thoughts:
Deciding whether you want care focused on health needs or solely care for the purpose of improving your smile will determine whether to see a regular dentist or a cosmetic dentist. Both types of dentists are important for the health of your teeth, however, cosmetic dentists take care to have considerations and step away from solely health considerations and consideration for the purpose of improving your smile.
Our clinic provides full-service care to improve and maintain your oral health, while also improving your smile. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio or need a regular dentist close to you, we can take care of both. Call today for an appointment of your consultation and move one step closer to a healthier, brighter smile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can a regular dentist do cosmetic work?
Yes, many regular dentists do cosmetic work, but the specialists often have more advanced options. - Do dental cosmetic procedures hurt?
Most treatments are minimally invasive and utilize leading techniques to ensure comfort. - How long do the results of cosmetic dentistry last?
Results vary, however, dental work like veneers and bonding can last many years depending on daily care. - Is it safe to do cosmetic dentistry?
Yes, cosmetic dentistry is an industry that has been refined and is safe to do when qualified professionals that have been educated and trained are involved.
