A smile makeover is a great investment that not only enhances your overall appearance but also causes a ripple effect that positively affects every aspect of your being. Just look at celebrities; they look even more appealing because of their pearly white smiles. If youβve decided to push through with this treatment, the only question youβre asking now is whether or not you should head to your regular dentist or opt for a cosmetic dentist. In todayβs article, weβll discuss the key difference between the two so you can make an informed choice on which dentist youβll go with.
Cosmetic Dentist vs. General Dentist: Whatβs the Difference?
General dentists and cosmetic dentists are pretty similar in their work, and most of the time, their roles overlap. But if it boils down to one thing, cosmetic dentists focus more on providing aesthetics and enhancing oneβs smile.
Technically speaking, a cosmetic dentist is also a general dentist, but compared to the latter, they choose to focus on a certain specialization. To do so, they need to undertake additional education and training, coupled with experiences that are centered on improving oneβs smile. Cosmetic dentistry is both an art and a science that extends beyond aesthetics since itβs also rooted in functionality.
Treatments that fall under cosmetic dentistry require a specific set of skills and expertise; hence, they can only be done by cosmetic dentists. Melbourneβs best cosmetic dentist, Adawn, boasts a lineup of professionals who can perform the most complex procedures efficiently and without breaking a sweat. The process of incorporating porcelain veneers, for one, is very delicate. It requires the dentist to remove a small portion of enamel from the patientβs front tooth so they can bond the veneer into place.
So if youβre looking to transform your smile into something better, itβs best to consult with a cosmetic dentist.
A general dentist, on the other hand, is your resident dentist. It could be your family dentist, where you get your teeth professionally cleaned and checked for any potential oral issues. Your resident can also perform certain dental cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and simple bonding. However, their services are more centered on restorative function, so you can speak and chew as you normally would.
Some of the services they provide include routine checkups, cleanings, cavity fillings, and root canals. Theyβre also the ones who perform tests and screen you for other potential issues that cannot be seen by the naked eye, like periodontitis or oral cancer.
What is the scope of a βsmile makeover,β and what other areas does it affect?
Itβs important for individuals to know that when we talk about a βsmile makeover,β itβs not a one-size-fits-all procedure. For teeth whitening, sure, you could see significant results in the first session alone. But if your teeth are darkly stained, it may take longer to get the results you want. Thatβs just one case; since no two patients are the same, creating a personalized treatment plan is a must for your cosmetic dentist.
Cavities are easy to work with; you could even have this done by your resident dentist. Teeth whitening to lighten the color of your teeth and fashioning dental implants can be done by a general dentist and a few others.
However, when it comes to misaligned teeth paired with gum problems, these two are far better off handled by a cosmetic dentist.
They are equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle multiple aesthetic issues to not only provide the best smile for their patient but also restore their oral functions. This is because the sample above is considered complex and requires the cosmetic to perform at least two procedures to correct the problem. Letβs not forget that weβre referring to what we can see; the patient may also have some underlying issues that need to be addressed.
For the above-mentioned example about misaligned teeth and gum problems, the cosmetic dentist needs to seamlessly blend different techniques, ensuring that it will result in the most natural-looking appearance. On top of that, cosmetic dentists also have to be mindful of other factors like your facial features, lip line, and other parts of your body that will be affected by the procedure. This is where their eye for detail comes in handy, highlighting aesthetics so they can operate without a hitch with the help of specialized tools and equipment that deliver amazing results.
So, in hindsight, itβs not just a simple smile makeover; itβs a series of planning, choices, and comprehensive treatment to provide the most ideal smile for their clients, complementing and accentuating their features so they can be the most confident in their own skin.
Factors to consider when choosing which dentists to work with.
By now, youβve probably already figured out that cosmetic dentists are the better option if you want to undergo a smile makeover. However, if youβre looking at simple cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening or gum contouring, you can always opt to have it done by your resident dentist or a prospective general dentist, since theyβre also qualified to do so. Just make sure they have the credentials and portfolio of cases similar to yours, so you know theyβre the real deal.
But for those opting for a more complex treatment, itβs much better to let a cosmetic dentist do the work for you. The only problem you will be facing now is choosing which cosmetic dentist to approach, given that there are a lot of professionals offering their services in the market. Donβt worry, you can narrow down your choices by considering these factors below:
Check their experience and portfolio.
One of the first things you need to look at when choosing a cosmetic dentist is if they have the skills, experience, and portfolio to get the job done. Most cosmetic dentists have extensive years of experience handling diverse cases, so you can just narrow down your choices based on who has worked the most with the dental cosmetic treatment you have in mind.
Another way you can check their credibility is through their reviews and recommendations. A quick online search on their website is a gateway to see how they handle their cases, and itβs also where they can showcase their work.
Do they partake in activities that further their skills and development?
Cosmetic dentistry is constantly evolving, so if you want to work with the best out there, you should opt for a cosmetic dentist who is dedicated to furthering their skills through continuous education. This also means that theyβre in the loop with the latest trends and practices, which are far better compared to traditional ones.
Check the clinicβs environment and amenities.
Once you have a prospective cosmetic dentist in mind, book a consultation so you can also check their clinic and its amenities. Is it well-maintained? Are they using the latest innovations and tools for their treatment? Are the staff polite and accommodating? These are simple things, but they add up to an overall pleasant experience.
Assess the complexity of your goals.
Lastly, see if the smile makeover you have in mind is aligned with what the cosmetic dentist can do. Some patients seek only minor enhancements like teeth whitening or dental bonds. But for others who have more complex issues, itβs better to consult with the cosmetic dentist first so they can assess what needs to be done and discuss the proper course of action to achieve your goals.
