What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist?

dentist difference

dentist differenceServing patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialization of dental science that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and mouth. While many dentists offer cosmetic dentists, there is a difference between a dentist who performs cosmetic procedures and a true cosmetic dentist. Just what is the difference? We explore that very topic today on the blog.

General dentistry

A general dentist, or family dentist, is your primary provider of dental care. This dentist provides a range of services, including diagnosis and treatment of a variety of issues related to your oral care: regular checkups, oral cancer screenings, preventive care and restorative treatments such as fillings, just to list a few examples. A general dentist and their team also can provide counsel on the proper oral hygiene practices and any issues related to your oral health, such as the alignment of your teeth, the alignment of your bite or even nutritional tips.

Cosmetic dentistry

True cosmetic dentistry is taught on the postgraduate level, following the completion of standard dental school. While many cosmetic dentists also offer general dentistry services, a cosmetic dentist focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. A cosmetic dentist performs treatments and procedures to improve the aesthetics of some aspect of your smile or your entire smile. No matter your own needs and aesthetic desires, a cosmetic dentist tailors their care to your unique goals and situation.

Some of the common services offered by a cosmetic dentist include:

Tusculum Dental Care also is a certified Invisalign provider for patients in Greeneville, Erwin, Jonesborough and the surrounding areas of East Tennessee, as well as offering dermal filler treatments.

These are things to consider as you determine how to choose a cosmetic dentist.

The value of cosmetic dental work

There are several benefits to cosmetic dentistry that go beyond just improving the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic dental work makes you feel better about your smile, and therefore, more likely to show it. This helps you make a good first impression when meeting new people and can help you see more success on both a personal and professional level. Furthermore, in many cases, undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure also can improve the function of your teeth.

Comprehensive dental care in East Tennessee

You can choose to go to one dentist to meet your general needs and a different practice for any cosmetic dental work that you desire. However, isn’t it more convenient to choose a dental practice that meets both your current and anticipated needs? Tusculum Dental Care strives to be a dental practice that can meet any and all oral health needs for our patients in Greeneville, Jonesborough, Erwin and the surrounding areas in East Tennessee. In addition to general and cosmetic dentistry, Drs. Craig Shepherd and Nathaniel Renner also offer treatment of TMJ disorder, periodontal treatment and root canals.

To find out more about any of the services at Tusculum Dental Care, why not schedule a consultation today? We are accepting new patients. Just call (423) 639-7575 or complete our online appointment request form.