What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist?
A general dentist focuses on maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, whilst a cosmetic dentist specialises in improving the appearance of your smile.
Both are fully qualified dental professionals, but their training, skills, and treatment goals differ.
Find out more about our cosmetic dentistry services in Hertfordshire by calling 01920 821579 or emailing info@elegancedental.co.uk
What Does a General Dentist Do?
A general dentist is your primary dental care provider. Their main role is to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health issues.
They carry out routine dental check-ups, hygiene advice, fillings, extractions, and gum disease treatment. If you have pain, sensitivity, or a dental emergency, a general dentist is the person you see.
They also focus heavily on preventive care. This includes spotting early signs of decay or gum disease and helping you avoid more complex treatment in the future.
What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?
A cosmetic dentist centres their work around the appearance of your smile.
Although they still have the same core dental qualifications, they go on to receive additional training in aesthetic procedures designed to improve the colour, shape, alignment, and overall look of your teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry covers treatments such as veneers, whitening, bonding, smile makeovers, and cosmetic orthodontics like Invisalign.
Whilst these treatments can also support oral health, their primary purpose is aesthetic enhancement and confidence-building.
Do Cosmetic Dentists Have Extra Training?
Yes. Cosmetic dentistry is a specialised area, and many cosmetic dentists pursue further training in areas such as smile design, advanced bonding techniques, minimally invasive veneer preparation, and digital smile planning.
These skills help them create results that are not only attractive but also natural-looking and long-lasting.
This additional training often involves hands-on courses, postgraduate study, and working with the latest dental technology and materials.
Is There a Difference in the Treatments They Offer?
Yes, general dentists and cosmetic dentists can both provide a wide range of treatments, but the purpose and detail of those treatments differ.
A general dentist may repair a chipped tooth with a functional filling. A cosmetic dentist, however, may use advanced composite bonding or porcelain veneers to restore the tooth in a way that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Similarly, whilst a general dentist can straighten teeth with standard orthodontics, a cosmetic dentist will often use discreet options like Invisalign, focusing on both alignment and aesthetics throughout the process.
Which Dentist Should You See for Your Needs?
If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, gum problems, or you’re due for your routine check-up, a general dentist is the right choice. They ensure your mouth is healthy and functioning well.
If you want to enhance your smile, whether by whitening your teeth, closing gaps, refining tooth shape, or completing a full smile makeover, a cosmetic dentist is best equipped to help.
They prioritise aesthetics and understand how to achieve results that align with your facial features, complexion, and personal goals.
In many cases, general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry work together. A healthy mouth forms the foundation for any cosmetic treatment, so most patients need to start with general dental care before moving into aesthetic improvements.
Are Cosmetic Dentists More Expensive?
Yes, cosmetic treatments do tend to be more of an investment because they involve additional materials, artistic skill, and detailed planning.
Treatments such as veneers, Invisalign, or cosmetic bonding require precision and customisation to achieve natural, long-lasting results.
However, a cosmetic dentist will always provide a personalised plan tailored to your goals and budget, and many practices offer finance options to make treatment more accessible.
Ready to Improve Your Smile?
At Elegance Dental, our experienced cosmetic dentists provide high-quality aesthetic treatments designed to enhance your smile and boost your confidence.
We’ll assess your oral health, discuss your goals in detail, and create a tailored plan to achieve the results you’re looking for.
Call 01920 821579 or email info@elegancedental.co.uk to book your consultation.
