We all know that seeing a dentist at least once every six months is common practice for preventing dental diseases and ensuring our teeth remain healthy. However, many individuals seek out dentists for more than just the overall health of their teeth.
There are 10 specialized professions that the American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes – orthodontist, endodontist, prosthodontist, etc. But there is one profession not recognized by the ADA that many people look to for taking their teeth to the next level – cosmetic dentistry.
Even though cosmetic dentistry is not an official dental specialization, 86% still identify as either cosmetic dentists or general dentists according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). So, what exactly is the difference between the two? How do you know if you should see a general dentist or a cosmetic dentist for your teeth maladies?
General Vs. Cosmetic Dentistry
On a high level, general dentists offer preventative maintenance and treatment or oral diseases such as extracting teeth, fillings, and root canals. Cosmetic dentists, on the other hand, deal with the appearance of teeth, such as whitening, veneers, composite bonding, and smile makeovers. However, there is much overlap between the two where certain treatments can be for both aesthetic and health reasons.
Let’s go through some of the differences between general and cosmetic dentists.
Education
Both general and cosmetic dentists must go through an accredited dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree. After this initial schooling, dentists can choose to further their education with a specialization like orthodontics or endodontics. While cosmetic dentistry does not have a recognized specialization, there are several programs available for those who wish to further their education in the field, such as the AACD.
Purpose
As stated earlier, the main difference between general and cosmetic dentists is the purpose behind their treatments. General dentists remedy issues related to oral pain, discomfort, and hygiene. Their main purpose is to keep teeth, gums, and the mouth at the peak of health through preventative maintenance and treatments. The purpose of cosmetic dentistry, though, is to fix the way that teeth look. Similar to getting hair implants or changing the color of hair, there are no health implications underlying cosmetic dentistry. Keep in mind that there is overlap between the two where a general dentist treatment may lead to a cosmetic treatment.
Example: Veneers
Dental veneers are a layer of either composite or porcelain material placed overtop teeth or in place of teeth. They improve both aesthetic appearance and protect the tooth from damage. A general dentist may need to extract a tooth to remove decay, but then the smile is altered. The patient may feel self-conscious about the missing tooth and opt to get a dental veneer to replace it.
Similarly, a chipped tooth is not a health hazard, but it does mean that there is less protection for the root of the tooth. A dental veneer can repair this vulnerability as well as enhance the overall appearance of the smile.
Dental Cost
Cosmetic dentistry typically costs more than general dentistry for two reasons. The first reason is insurance. Insurance companies tend to cover more of the cost of general dentistry because it is concerned with the health of teeth while cosmetic dentistry is seen as an elective.
The second reason cosmetic dentistry costs more is because they are concerned about the appearance of teeth. This means that in certain circumstances, these dentists will choose more expensive materials that better fit the aesthetics of the teeth to enhance the overall smile.
In Sum
This does not mean you have to go to separate dental practices for general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. While the two are different, the overlap between them means that many family practices offer a wide range of services that covers treatments in both, enhancing your smile while ensuring your oral health remains at its peak.
Sedki Dentistry checks all the boxes when it comes to general and cosmetic dentistry services. Dr Sedki has more than 20 years of experience in all areas of dentistry including children’s dentistry and is trained in the latest techniques and dental treatments.
Trust your dental health with quality dental care that’s customized to your smile needs. Call our Commerce Twp dental clinic and speak with our friendly dental staff today!