In all the current talk about dental implants and cosmetic veneers and whatnot, it can be difficult to understand what makes a cosmetic dentist so different from a family dentist, when everything is said and done. The truth is, it’s even trickier than you think. But first, let’s start with the traditional distinctions.

A family dentist is the one you go to for your dental cleanings, fillings, and fluoride treatments. They and their staff also perform your six-month dental exams. Many family dentists also work closely — often in-house — with a pediatric dentist, in order to provide complete preventative and routine dental care to every member of a family (hence the title).

Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, traditionally deals with the appearance of your teeth: how white they are, how straight they are, how even they are, etc. Cosmetic dentists provide whitening procedures, porcelain veneers, bonding, and crown reshaping and lengthening. Many cosmetic dentists are also dental surgeons, and can replace a patient’s entire set of teeth with false crowns placed on titanium implants.

But the lines normally separating a family dentist from a cosmetic dentist have lately begun to blur. Many family dentists now offer their patients options for whitening, and a few other minor cosmetic procedures. Likewise, a cosmetic dentist may take the responsibility to perform the cleanings and routine exams for their patients following a large procedure.

However, if you have any doubt which procedure you need, a family dentist is always your best first stop. They can answer your questions, assess your situation, and easily recommend the best course of action. It may even be something that they themselves can provide. And if not, they can refer you to a specialist who does perform the necessary procedure, who will help you get the smile you’ve been dreaming of. Links like this: Cerec dentist kirkland