Did you know that people with dental problems are more likely to experience depression and anxiety? Constant worry about what others think of your teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious and like you don’t measure up. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers multiple solutions to address aesthetic issues like chips, cracks, slight gaps, minor misalignments, and stains.
It’s important to find someone with the right training and skills to help you achieve the result you’re hoping for. Many patients wonder whether their general dentist can help, or if they need to find a separate provider for cosmetic services. If you’re not sure what the difference is between the two, or what qualifications to look for, keep reading to learn more!
What’s the Difference Between General and Cosmetic Dentistry?
Although all dentists have earned either a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree, they have varying levels of training and experience in certain areas. The main difference between general and cosmetic dentistry is the purpose of the treatments involved. General dentists address problems that impact your oral health as well as provide preventative care, while cosmetic dentistry is more focused on improving your appearance.
That said, cosmetic dentistry isn’t officially recognized as a separate specialty by the American Dental Association, so universities don’t usually offer degrees specifically for this area. That means almost any provider can claim to be both a general and cosmetic dentist. How do you know, then, whether someone truly has the skill needed to upgrade your grin?
How Do I Identify a Skilled Cosmetic Dentist?
It’s natural to want to make sure your teeth are in good hands. To find someone with the right training, you can:
- Check their credentials. You can look them up online to learn about the details of their educational courses, residencies, and professional organizational affiliations. If you can’t find information that way, feel free to ask them about it. Dentists are usually more than happy to share their background with you to set your mind at ease.
- Ask for referrals. Another great way to find a reliable provider is to ask people who have already had work done. If you have friends or family that underwent cosmetic procedures, why not ask them who their dentist was? They can share insights about their experience and whether they are pleased with the results.
- Look for Photos. Typically, cosmetic dentists who are proud of their work are eager to show it off with before-and-after photos. These are often included on their website, though some may have albums available in their office. Be sure that the photos you’re seeing are of real patients so you know you’re looking at real-world examples.
Now that you know how to find the right dentist, you can take the next steps to achieve the flawless smile you’ve always dreamed of!
About the Practice
At Carlson Dental Group, patients benefit from a team of highly trained experts who provide a full range of services under one roof, including cosmetic dentistry. They have decades of combined experience and are affiliated with numerous professional organizations including (but not limited to) the American Dental Association, the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. That means they have the specialized skills required to help you perfect your smile. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (904) 262-8449.