
Good dental hygiene plays a crucial role in a person’s teeth, gums and overall quality of life. As part of a comprehensive dental plan, Marietta patients may require both general and cosmetic dentistry treatments. But with a wide array of dental treatments available, how do you know what services are right for you? To choose the best option, patients should understand the differences between a dentist and a cosmetic dentist.
What Is the Main Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist
Fundamentally, a dentist is focused on a patient’s overall oral health, including preventing and treating common dental disorders. In comparison, cosmetic dentists are more concerned with the appearance of the teeth and gums, delivering a wide range of aesthetic dental treatments. Let’s take a closer look at the services provided by both types of dentist.
What Does a Dentist Do?
Dentists are usually referred to as general dentists or family dentists. While both offer a broad selection of treatments, family dentists like Dr. Shaila Mohip-Chahwala treat patients of all ages (rather than a specific demographic). Patients visit their family dentist for checkups and many minor treatments such as dental cleanings, oral exams, dental fillings, sealants and oral cancer screenings.
Restorative dentistry is another crucial part of a general or family dental practice. The main treatments provided by a restorative dentist include dental implants, gum disease treatment and TMJ disorder. When patients experience lost, cracked and broken teeth, dentists deliver fast and secure treatments that prevent ongoing decay.
What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?
While cosmetic dentists are also concerned with the function of a person’s teeth and gums, their primary role is to deliver aesthetically pleasing improvements to a smile. Teeth whitening is a quick, affordable solution to tooth discoloration. For a more comprehensive smile makeover, veneers are custom-designed using porcelain for a long-lasting dental enhancement. Similarly, dental crowns and bridges are created to replace a lost tooth, offering a natural appearance that delivers lasting protection.
Invisalign® clear aligners are another popular cosmetic dentistry option. The treatment fixes crooked teeth and other issues similar to metal braces. In contrast to traditional braces, patients can remove their aligners and the clear material is far less conspicuous.
Dr. Mohip is a general dentist, and also a restorative and cosmetic dentist.
Which Type of Dentist Should You Visit?
Family, cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments are all part of a comprehensive approach to dental care. At different times in your or your child’s life, you are likely to need treatments from each discipline. At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry, we are a full-service practice offering all types of treatments for the entire family.
Professional Family and Cosmetic Dentist in Marietta
Shining Smiles Family Dentistry provides cosmetic, restorative and family dentistry services for patients in Marietta. For dental cleanings, fillings, teeth whitening, veneers and much more, contact our dental practice today. Call (770) 420-8550 or make an appointment now.