Smile Goals: Cosmetic Dentist vs. General Dentist

Are you considering enhancing your pearly whites? Improving your smile is beneficial for many reasons, including increasing your self-confidence. While cosmetic dental treatments are worth the cost, you want to make sure you receive the best care possible. Since cosmetic dentistry is not technically a specialized field, there are not certain dentists who are just cosmetic dentists. Therefore, you want to be sure to pick the right dental professional for your upgraded grin. Read on to learn more about the differences between general and cosmetic dentistry and how to choose the right dentist for your smile goals.

What is General Dentistry?

A general dentist’s main goal is to preserve and restore your oral health. In order to accomplish this focus, they offer a wide range of preventative and restorative services. These include dental cleanings, periodontal therapy, fillings, and root canals. They want to help you keep your smile whole, healthy, and happy! However, they can also provide a few cosmetic dental services, like professional teeth whitening and tooth bonding, to fix minor flaws with your teeth.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Instead of just the health of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist focuses on how they appear. They can enhance the aesthetic of your smile by offering elective treatments and procedures, such as tooth-colored fillings, veneers, Invisalign, and even complete smile makeovers! The good news is that investing in cosmetic dentistry doesn’t just improve your grin; it can also treat certain dental issues at the same time that negatively impact your oral health, like chipped or missing teeth.

How to Pick the Right Dentist for Your Smile Goals

If your only goal is to keep your oral health in top condition, a general dentist will be perfectly fine for you. They will preserve your natural smile and treat any dental issues before they become more serious. However, if you want to enhance the appearance of your teeth, it’s better to seek out a cosmetic dentist. They will have specialized training in a wide range of services to improve your smile.

Of course, Google is always your friend when it comes to finding a perfect fit for your needs, even cosmetic dentists. However, here are some additional tips to help you discover the perfect one for your dental goals and needs:

• Ask your friends and family for recommendations.
• Research the dentist’s training and qualifications.
• Read online reviews and testimonials.
• Call to ensure they offer the services you’re interested in.
• Choose a convenient location with flexible office hours.
• Check out the before and after pictures.
• Consider their payment options.

If you want more than just a clean and healthy smile, it’s time to seek out a cosmetic dentist who can help you get the picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted. With this helpful information, you can now take steps toward getting specialized treatment to improve your pearly whites!

About the Author

Dr. Bita Kamali and her team at Parkway Vista Dental are eager to help you achieve your smile goals. She earned her dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry and has continued education in cosmetic dentistry. By using advanced dental technology and personalized plans, she can help you decide which treatment or procedure would be best for your dental goals and needs. To schedule a consultation, contact her through her website or call (972) 818-1300.