Cosmetic Dentistry |3 min read

What’s the Difference Between a General and Cosmetic Dentist?

Bearded man in glasses with a puzzled, questioning look on his face, wondering what the difference between a general and cosmetic dentist is.

Americans spend billions of dollars each year to feel good and look good.

Having good health and a pleasing appearance is obviously high on our priority list!

So, when it comes to your smile, should you choose the services of a general dentist or a cosmetic dentist in Franklin, MA?

What’s the difference? Does it matter?

The different skillsets of general and cosmetic dentists

Stated simply, the difference between general and cosmetic dentists is their treatment focus.

A general dentist focuses on restoring or maintaining your oral health.

A cosmetic dentist also does that while at the same time trying to improve the appearance of your smile.

Both general and cosmetic dentists must complete dental school, pass their board exams, and are qualified to address dental and oral health issues.

However, a cosmetic dentist pursues further specialized training to correct cosmetic issues and enhance smiles.

How does the difference between general and cosmetic affect your treatment?

Think of a general dentist as being like a house builder and a cosmetic dentist as a house builder who also has advanced training in home decor and design.

Which one would you want designing your house?

The difference between a general and cosmetic dentist is most apparent in the aesthetic results they can achieve.

A general dentist helps you have a healthy smile by using typical general dentistry treatments, including:

These services are essential for keeping your smile healthy and functioning well.

A general dentist may also offer some services that fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening or dental bonding. While they can perform these services and provide beautiful results, they don’t have the training to provide the outstanding aesthetic results you may be wanting.

A cosmetic dentist in Franklin, MA – such as Dr. Olga Krikunenko (Dr. K) – offers advanced cosmetic dentistry services to provide outstandingly beautiful results, such as:

  • Porcelain veneers – To modify the shape, size, or color of your teeth
  • Teeth whitening – Professional whitening that can brighten your smile up to eight shades whiter
  • Invisalign® – Straightens crooked teeth, gapped teeth, and fixes underbites, overbites, and crossbites
  • Smile makeovers – Uses a variety of restorative and cosmetic treatments to upgrade the health and appearance of your smile

A general dentist often uses traditional techniques such as metal crowns and fillings. A cosmetic dentist uses high-quality restorations that also make your smile look good, such as tooth-colored crowns and fillings.

Advanced training offers better cosmetic results

Mint Dental offers affordable cosmetic dentistry options from our experienced, highly-trained cosmetic dentist. Dr. K.

She is a  member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. This recognition is based on her pursuit of continuing education to enhance her cosmetic dentistry skills.

She wants her patients in the Medway, Wrentham, Norfolk, and Franklin, MA areas to have the best results they possibly can with cosmetic dentistry.

She feels everyone deserves a healthy and beautiful smile.

By going beyond just the training and education needed for general dentistry, she offers you advanced cosmetic dentistry to have a smile you’ll love.

Do you want to enhance your smile?

Just click below to schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation with our team and start dreaming about the possibilities for your smile.

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Or you can contact us by one of these other means:

  • Call us and speak with one of our friendly team members directly
  • Email us