In a nutshell, general dentistry focuses on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, while cosmetic dentistry deals with the overall aesthetic appearance of the teeth. Knowing the difference between the two can help you determine which service or dentist is right for you. For basic dental services, such as treating pain, discomfort, or generally poor oral health, cosmetic or general dentists can help. However, if you need to address an aesthetic problem, you can get the best services from a cosmetic dentist. This means that you can go to any of the dentists for an endodontic treatment, but you must schedule tooth restoration or whitening with a cosmetic dentist.
The main difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry is simply their training and area of focus. Like a plastic surgeon versus a general surgeon, a cosmetic dentist cares about aesthetics. In addition to the general training of dentists, they have specialized training in procedures to improve the appearance of the teeth. Cosmetic dentists may have additional degrees, licenses, and association memberships that general dentists don't need. To become a dentist, a person must graduate from an accredited dental school and obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree.
For example, dental veneers are cosmetic because they mask cracked or stained teeth, but they could be considered a restorative treatment, since they protect the surface of a tooth from damage. But what can you do if you're worried about the way your teeth look? Just as you would consult a cosmetic surgeon to perform aesthetic treatments on the body, you may see a cosmetic dentist for aesthetic treatments that improve the appearance of your teeth. These general, restorative and family dental offices can also offer cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening, adhesives, crowns and bridges. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the patient's facial appearance, while general dentistry deals with the prevention and treatment of dental disorders. While the American Dental Association (ADA) doesn't officially recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty, dentists who focus on the more artistic aspects of dental care are considered cosmetic dentists by their patients and other dentists. Both general dentists and aesthetic dentists must have obtained a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. The Rinaldi team also has specialized training in periodontics, dental surgery and dental adhesives.
Clinics like these have a team with a wide range of skills, ranging from dental surgery to dental adhesives. In conclusion, it is important to understand the difference between general and cosmetic dentistry in order to make an informed decision when choosing a dentist for your needs. General dentists are trained to diagnose and treat oral diseases while cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the aesthetics of your smile. Knowing which type of dentist is right for you will ensure that you get the best possible care.
