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Dentistry encompasses numerous aspects of dental services, from oral health to beauty. To address toothaches, tooth misalignments, and other dental concerns, people know to go to their dentist to keep their oral health in check. But how about cosmetic dentists?

The term “cosmetic dentistry” has become a popular marketing term for various services provided by the dental industry, spanning from teeth whitening to porcelain laminates and beyond. It is actually simply a role that your regular dentist also performs; different dentists specialize and offer different cosmetic dentistry services, depending on their training and their interests.

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry

A family dentist can conduct routine maintenance and preventive procedures. They can perform all the general functions of dentists, including root canals and tooth repair. When performing procedures like dental cleanings, fillings, and checkups, the main goal of the general (family) dentist is to help the patient maintain optimum oral health.

Most general dentists can also perform cosmetic dentistry procedures. These procedures address a patient’s concerns regarding how their smile looks rather than its health, although correcting bite issues can be an added benefit.

Cosmetic dentists can help with issues like aligning, brightening, and perfecting a patient’s teeth. So alongside the regular dental and oral health treatments, they can help the patient to achieve a beautiful smile.

Some of these cosmetic procedures include:

• Porcelain veneers
• Professional teeth bleaching
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Dental implants
• Surgical reconstruction
• Invisalign

Training and Experience of Dentists

All dentists receive similar education and training, making them capable of performing all conventional dental treatments. Since a cosmetic dentist is also a general dentist, patients can schedule standard dental appointments with them like filling cavities and regular checkups and exams.

However, if a dentist wishes to develop expertise and specialization in cosmetic dentistry, they may develop their skills in this specific area. They can join fellowships, participate in training courses, and take seminars that are dedicated to pursuing the latest knowledge in cosmetic dentistry.

By acquiring new knowledge and skills, family dentists can broaden their practice and offer cosmetic dentistry procedures among the services they offer their patients. This is preferred by patients who do not want to go to multiple dentists for various dental procedures.

In this regard, dentists who offer more services will appeal to certain types of patients, whereas other patients may look for a dentist who specializes in only one or a few dentistry procedures. For example, those who focus on cosmetic dentistry may provide better service in porcelain veneers than those who consider themselves family dentists and also serve pediatric patients.

What Cosmetic Dental Procedures Cost

Cosmetic dental treatments cost more if they (1) require fewer visits to the dentist and (2) last longer. For example, bonding costs less than veneers, but bonding must be re-done much more often.

Unlike cleanings, checkups, and X-rays, cosmetic services are not covered by insurance. Reconstructive dental services may be covered if the mouth was injured or is misshapen, but beauty dentistry is completely out-of-pocket.

Family and Cosmetic Dentist in Plantation, FL

Dr. Ernie Soto and his skilled team will take good care of your dental needs, both general and cosmetic. With Dr. Soto, your smile is in good hands.

If you’d like to find out more, don’t hesitate to contact us at (954) 368-6264. You may also book an appointment online with us today!