The American Dental Association does not make a differentiation between cosmetic dentists and regular dentists. They are both considered to be general dentists but there is a difference. A general dentist handles regular dental issues such as cleanings, check-ups, fillings, crowns and some minor extractions and root canals. More specialized procedures are typically referred to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or endodontist. The general dentist can perform cosmetic services but typically their focus remains on the good oral health of the patient, where the cosmetic dentist has the same goals but also tries to change the appearance of the mouth.
A cosmetic dentist performs those same procedures as a general dentist, but they do it with the goal of transforming the smile. When repairing a cavity or cementing a crown, they may not recreate a tooth to look as it did before the cavity caused damage. The Cosmetic Dentist Clayton will reconstruct teeth that are more properly shaped and straightened to improve the aesthetics of the smile.
Cosmetic dentists often have more training on cosmetic procedures and may even specialize in certain ones. Dentists are required to spend a certain amount of time each year continuing their education and staying current on new dental techniques. A cosmetic dentist would spend that required time learning now techniques to help their patients change the way their smile looks. They may offer a special type of tooth whitening, as there are many different types. Cosmetic dentists may also offer veneers, which are thin pieces of porcelain like a crown and are permanently bonded to the teeth. Veneers can be costly but will immediately change the look of a person’s smile as soon as they are bonded to the teeth. Orthodontics, both traditional metal and Invisalign, are often services offered by a cosmetic dentist.
The cosmetic dentist’s first priority is the health of the mouth, just like a general dentist. The difference is that a cosmetic dentist will look for ways to make improvements in the look of the teeth and smile while repairing damage. When seeking a Cosmetic Dentist Clayton, it is important to ask them which procedures they specialize in.
