General vs. Cosmetic Dentist: Which Is the Better Option

If you need a specific dental procedure done or are looking for a new provider to take care of your smile, it is important to understand whether a general dentist or cosmetic dentist is the right professional for the needed services. While both types of dentists are required to have achieved a doctor of dental surgery or a doctor of medicine in dentistry degree, each focuses on unique aspects of dental work. If not sure which provider to go to, patients should make the following considerations.

What is the goal of treatment?

Patients should consider the goal of any dental work when choosing the type of dental provider to address the situation.

Prevent or treat dental health issues

Achieve a more attractive smile

What services are needed?

• Crowns: Caps, often made from porcelain, that cover a tooth or an implant to restore function and make it more attractive.
• Veneers: Porcelain or composite resin shells placed on the outside of a tooth to cover up blemishes and improve shape and shade.
• Bonding: A procedure involving the placement of tooth-colored resin to address chips, reshape the tooth, or close gaps between the teeth.
• Inlays and onlays: Restorative treatments used instead of fillings to cover cavities and preserve tooth structure.
• Teeth whitening: Custom at-home trays or in-house bleaching for whitening the teeth and removing stains.
• Teeth shaping: The process of removing parts of a tooth’s enamel to make its shape more desirable.
• Gum contouring: A procedure used to shorten and contour the gum, often used for people with a “gummy smile”.