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When deciding to choose a general dentist, you might want to consider a dentist who can also perform cosmetic dentistry. While some dentists defer their patients to another cosmetic dentistry, there are some who provide a dynamic set of dental skills for their patients.

While the American Dental Association (ADA) does not designate or recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty, it is definitely an area that dentists can specialize in, by taking additional training. As a patient, it is good to know that while all cosmetic dentists are general dentists, not all general dentists are cosmetic dentists.

A general dentist routinely performs any of the following procedures:

• Teeth cleanings
• Fillings
• Root canals
• Tooth repair

A general dentist can also provide cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening and dental bonding. While the results may be adequate, they usually do not compare with a dentist who has received specialized training and focus in the aesthetics of cosmetic dentistry.

Imagine if you chipped your tooth and your dentist determined the best way to fix it was to use a dental bonding composite. While your tooth will function better after this procedure, the bonding may not match the color of the tooth, and the size and shape of the bonding may also not match the surrounding teeth. This is because a general dentist can sometimes be focused on fixing dental problems and painful conditions, while potentially having minimal, if any, consideration for the appearance of their work.

On the other hand, a general dentist who has also received specialized training in cosmetic dentistry – a cosmetic dentist – is concerned with providing dental procedures that can improve your dental and oral health, along with the aesthetic side of things. Cosmetic dentists work on your teeth with an eye for artistry. A cosmetic dentist’s goal is to fix dental problems while enhancing the patient’s smile.

Some of the more common procedures performed by a cosmetic dentist include:

• Porcelain veneers
• Dental implants
• Professional teeth whitening
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Invisalign braces

While a cosmetic dentist is dedicated to improving and preserving their patient’s dental and oral health, they will also pay very close attention to the appearance of teeth, and achieving beautiful, natural looking results.

As a patient seeking the best dentist to take care of your teeth, finding a general dentist who also performs cosmetic dentistry will assure you that their work will look as good as it functions. Be sure to research your dentist’s training and experience, especially regarding the procedure you wish to undergo. Find a dentist who is continually improving his or her competency by keeping abreast of the latest technologies and techniques in their field. Cosmetic dentists should be able to provide potential patients with before and after photos of their work, so you can see the evidence of their skill and artistry.

If you are looking for a well-rounded dentist in the Plantation, Florida area who can address all your dental health needs, who specialized skill and experience with cosmetic dentistry, call Dr. Ernie Soto at (954) 228-6714. Make an appointment to see how your dental function and oral health can be improved, while gaining a beautiful, natural looking smile.