A dentist and a cosmetic dentist both provide oral healthcare services, but a cosmetic dentist has additional training and expertise in aesthetic dental procedures. Dentists are medical professionals who are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral diseases and conditions. Their primary focus is on the mouth and teeth. They can provide a wide range of services such as teeth cleaning, fillings, extractions, and root canals. They also play an important role in preventing oral diseases by educating patients about oral hygiene and promoting healthy habits. Visit The Point Dental if you’d like to know more about dental implants.
On the other hand, a cosmetic dentist is a dentist who has completed additional training and specializes in procedures that enhance the appearance of the teeth and smile. They can provide services such as teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and orthodontics. They also have a strong understanding of the principles of aesthetics and are able to create natural-looking, beautiful smiles. A cosmetic dentist’s goal is to help patients improve their self-esteem and confidence by giving them a smile they are proud of.
Do you still need to visit a dentist if you already visit a cosmetic dentist?
Yes, it is important to have a general dentist in addition to a cosmetic dentist for full oral health. A general dentist is a healthcare professional who is trained to provide a wide range of oral healthcare services, including preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. They play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of your teeth, gums, and jaw.
A cosmetic dentist, on the other hand, specializes in procedures that enhance the appearance of the teeth and smile. They have additional training and expertise in aesthetics and can provide services such as teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and orthodontics.
Sahil Patel, a seasoned cosmetic dentist from London, currently working at Marylebone Smile Clinic on Harley Street, believes that a proper cosmetic dentist should only be utilizing the finest equipment and materials available to ensure that each treatment is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Patel highly suggests visiting Marylebone Smile Clinic for any cosmetic dentistry needs in London.
While a cosmetic dentist can provide aesthetic treatments and improve the appearance of your teeth, they may not have the same level of training and expertise in preventing and treating oral diseases. This is why it is important to have a general dentist who can provide regular check-ups, cleanings and help in identifying potential oral health issues before they become a bigger problem.
Let’s explore more on this below.
What are the reasons to go to a general dentist?
It is generally recommended to visit a dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. These regular visits can help to prevent the development of oral diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease, and can detect any problems early, when they are most treatable.
Additionally, it is important to visit a dentist if you experience any symptoms or problems with your teeth or gums, such as:
Toothaches or sensitivity: If you have a toothache or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, it could be a sign of tooth decay or an abscess.
Bleeding gums: Gums that bleed when you brush or floss can be a sign of gum disease.
Oral sores: Oral sores such as canker sores or cold sores can be a sign of an infection or a more serious condition.
Changes in the appearance of your mouth: Visible changes in the mouth such as lumps, white or red patches, or rough areas can be a sign of oral cancer and should be checked by a dentist.
Jaw pain or headaches: Pain or discomfort in the jaw or headaches can be a sign of a problem with the jaw joint (TMJ) or a bite problem.
Loose or missing teeth: Loose or missing teeth can be a sign of gum disease or an injury.
Unpleasant taste or bad breath: Persistent bad taste or breath could be a sign of a dental or a health problem.
What are the reasons to go to a cosmetic dentist?
There are several reasons why someone may choose to visit a London cosmetic dentist. Some of the most common reasons include:
Improving the appearance of the teeth: A cosmetic dentist can provide a wide range of procedures that can improve the color, shape, and alignment of the teeth, giving patients a more attractive and confident smile.
Fixing dental imperfections: Many people have dental imperfections such as chips, cracks, gaps, or misshapen teeth that can be fixed by a cosmetic dentist.
Replacing missing teeth: A cosmetic dentist can provide dental implant treatment that can replace missing teeth and help to restore the natural function of the mouth.
Straightening teeth: A cosmetic dentist can provide orthodontic treatments such as clear aligners or braces to straighten teeth and improve bite alignment.
Enhancing facial aesthetics: A cosmetic dentist can also provide procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers that can improve the overall appearance of the face and enhance facial aesthetics.
Improving self-esteem and self-confidence: A good cosmetic dentist can help patients to achieve a better-looking smile, which can lead to an improvement in self-esteem and self-confidence.
Long-term oral health: by having a good cosmetic dentist, you can prevent more serious oral health issues and get a more beautiful and healthy smile.
Rejuvenation of the smile: With cosmetic dentistry, you can rejuvenate your smile and make it look more youthful.
In summary
Visiting both a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist is the best way to ensure optimal oral health. General dentists focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases, while cosmetic dentists focus on improving the appearance of the teeth and smile. While it may be tempting to only visit a cosmetic dentist for the sake of enhancing one’s appearance, neglecting regular check-ups and cleanings with a general dentist can lead to the development of significant problems with one’s oral health.
It’s important to note that general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry go hand in hand. By visiting both, you can maintain your oral health, prevent serious issues and at the same time enhance your appearance.