Many people are unaware of the difference between a cosmetic dentist and an orthodontist. Although you may associate orthodontists with braces, there’s much more to this dental specialty than that. If you’re looking for cosmetic dentist near me or want to know more about what an orthodontist does, read on to learn the difference between these two types of dentists and how each can help you achieve a beautiful smile!
What is a Cosmetic Dentist?
A cosmetic dentist is any dental professional who has completed several years of advanced education beyond that of a general dentist. They are often referred to as cosmetic dentists, but they may also be labeled as dental specialists, restorative dentists or by their specific educational background, such as orthodontists.
Their mission is to perform restorative procedures on teeth, such as bonding, tooth-colored fillings or crowns. These procedures do not require endodontic therapy (root canals) and are considered less invasive than traditional surgery.
Cosmetic dentistry is considered preventative care; it helps improve a patient’s smile by making their teeth appear whiter, straighter and more proportionate with one another.
As these treatments generally only take a few hours and cost thousands of dollars in comparison to normal surgery, many patients choose cosmetic dentistry over conventional surgeries if they experience minor problems. This practice doesn’t conflict with other fields in dentistry; all dental fields work together to better serve their patients’ needs. All told, there are approximately 20 different types of specialty degrees within dentistry at present.
How Does it Differ from an Orthodontist?
In addition to placing braces on teeth, orthodontists are able to use dental retainers and other devices. Some doctors of dental medicine specialize in cosmetic dentistry; their training isn’t as deep as that of orthodontists, but they can still help patients achieve beautiful smiles.
A cosmetic dentist is different from either of these professionals; these doctors focus on providing anti-aging treatments for patients with bad breath or discolored teeth, particularly those who suffer from gingivitis.
People who undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures don’t wear traditional braces; instead, they choose more comfortable methods like porcelain veneers or tooth whitening treatments.
What Is An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in straightening teeth using braces or other mechanical methods. Often, orthodontists will correct dental problems caused by oral-facial deformities like cleft lip or palate. They’ll also treat overcrowding, misaligned bite, and gaps between teeth that can be treated without surgical intervention.
However, orthodontists are not specialists in cosmetic dentistry—they still specialize in general dentistry like any other dentist. So if you’re looking for Invisalign®, Lumineers®, or other cosmetic procedures to improve your smile, visit a cosmetic dentist near you instead!
Getting Dental Care As A Child Versus As An Adult
When most people think of orthodontics, they think of corrective procedures. But there are situations where adults are good candidates for orthodontic treatments as well. Do you feel self-conscious about your smile? Have you lost teeth that left gaps in your smile?
If so, cosmetic dentistry may be a good option for you to consider. When it comes to having dental work done as an adult, it’s important to know what makes one dentist different from another. Knowing what kind of dentist you want to see is vital because different dentists offer very different services.
The two main types of dental specialists include periodontists and general dentists; both offer orthodontic treatment, but there are some differences between them…
When Should I See A Cosmetic Dentist?
If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist near me, it might be helpful to know exactly when you should seek treatment from one. In general, cosmetic dentistry is designed to correct imperfections in your smile that prevent you from smiling comfortably or confidently.
Your bite, for example, may be crooked due to years of growth spurts or trauma as a child. To fix these issues with braces or retainers, ask your dentist if he offers any options that fall under cosmetic dentistry. If you’re unhappy with stained teeth due to years of coffee consumption
Or just don’t like your smile at all—you can get teeth whitening by going to a professional. These are all good reasons why you should seek care from a cosmetic dentist near me!
What Is A Dental Implant And How Do They Work?
Implant-based dentures or bridges are just some of many available treatments that can be supported by implants. When combined with other teeth-strengthening treatments like porcelain veneers, Dental Implants can be to effectively reconstruct your smile. And because they require no healing time beyond a few days, implants offer patients more stability than traditional dentures or dental bridges, which can take much longer to heal in place (up to several months).
