Cosmetic & General Dentists: What’s The Difference?

Many people these days are opting to enhance their smiles with cosmetic dentistry; which might make you wonder: “What exactly is cosmetic dentistry?” You’ve heard of general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics—but what constitutes a cosmetic dentist and why are so many people visiting them? Here’s what you need to know about cosmetic dentistry compared with general dentistry, and how and why cosmetic dentists can do what they do so you’re able to find the right one for you.

General Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

A dentist’s skillset consists of three main categories: protecting a patient’s mouth from problems, identifying and fixing problems that have developed, and improving the appearance of a patient’s smile. In dentistry, these categories are given names: preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Throughout their education, dentists complete thousands of hours of additional training dedicated to preventive and restorative treatment procedures; however, much less time is spent focusing on cosmetic training. The primary focus of dentistry is the patient’s health; so, it’s more important to prioritize the training that can improve a patient’s oral health. So, while dentists receive extensive training throughout their schooling that focuses on general dentistry, they receive much less cosmetic training and experience. Which begs the question, where does that knowledge come from?

What Makes a Cosmetic Dentist?

This means that cosmetic dentists must dedicate a lot of outside time towards knowledge and training! They aren’t just general dentists with some cosmetic knowledge; they’re dentists that have spent a ton of time honing and perfecting their craft—which is, of course, making smiles more beautiful! Many of the procedures in cosmetic dentistry are capable of being performed by a general dentist, but only highly trained cosmetic dentists can give you lasting solutions that truly look and feel natural and boost your confidence along with your smile’s appearance.

Finding The Right Cosmetic Dentist for You

When it comes to finding the right cosmetic dentist for your smile, you’ll want to be mindful of what each dentist is capable of. Most dentists have specialty training listed on their website, and you can also read through their bios to learn more about any specific professional organizations they’re a member of. Some dentists also include before-and-after photos, which can be particularly useful for when you want to see what they can do. You can also schedule a consultation to meet with them, to give you a better idea of how they can personally improve your smile. Your smile is an important part of your appearance; it’s one of the very first things that people will notice about you! By taking the time to find the right cosmetic dentist, you’re giving your smile the chance to look its absolute best.

About the Author

A DFW native himself, Dr. R. David Brumbaugh has proudly served patients and families in the metroplex for over 25 years! His practice offers a wide range of available dental services including general, cosmetic, restorative, emergency and more. Dr. Brumbaugh completed his DDS at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and holds membership in many professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you have any questions for Dr. Brumbaugh or would like to schedule a visit, you can contact him online or by phone: (214) 369-5159.