If you’d like to transform your smile aesthetics with cosmetic dentistry, you’d probably like to know who’s qualified to perform your treatment! The short answer is you’ll most likely want to look for a skilled general dentist with a proven portfolio of work. For the long(ish) explanation of why they’ll be well-suited to help you with this unique form of dentistry, keep reading.
What’s the Difference Between Cosmetic & General Dentistry?
In a nutshell, cosmetic dentistry treatments are often not strictly necessary, although they can improve your oral health in some cases. These are going to be procedures that enhance your aesthetics, like porcelain veneers and teeth whitening.
General dentistry, meanwhile, aims to prevent harmful oral conditions or restore your dental health. Checkups and cleanings, crowns, fillings, and dentures would be considered general dentistry treatments.
Can a General Dentist Do Cosmetic Dentistry?
It’s important to note that a general dentist is typically someone who can provide the vast majority of dental services. A specialist has all the training of a general dentist and then some. Periodontists, for example, are experts in gum health, while prosthodontists are highly skilled with dental implants.
There is no designated specialization for cosmetic dentistry, however. Instead, to prove their artistic skills, a general dentist might pursue advanced training through prestigious professional organizations or build a portfolio of previous cosmetic work, often known as a smile gallery.
The Benefit of Smile Galleries
When looking for a general dentist who can give you an outstanding cosmetic glow-up, reviewing their smile gallery can be beneficial. You’ll see detailed close-ups of before and after cases from real patients and will get a good sense of the dentist’s skills. It’s sort of like scrolling through a tattoo artist’s Instagram – if you like what you see, that’s a good sign!
Conclusion
To sum everything up, there’s no such thing as a certified cosmetic dentistry specialist, but many general dentists know how to perform stunning smile transformations. The best way to find someone who’s skilled in cosmetic dentistry is to check their credentials or look through their smile gallery. When you have a professional or two in mind, all that’s left to do is give them a call and see how they can help you fall back in love with your grin!
About the Author
Dr. Evan Pedersen earned his dental degree from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He’s always loved how dentistry blends science and artistry together and enjoys helping his patients transform their smiles aesthetics. Dr. Pedersen provides many different cosmetic dentistry services at Oris Dental Studio, including porcelain veneers and smile design consultations. To book your appointment today, contact his office at (512) 768-8564.