21 Feb Choosing Between Regular and Cosmetic Dentists for Cosmetic Dental Services
When considering cosmetic dental services to enhance your smile, one of the most important decisions is whether to stick with your regular dentist or look for a cosmetic dental specialist. This choice becomes even more challenging when seeking the best in Chicago. If you’re unsure which provider to go to, here are the key factors to consider when making this decision.
Regular Dentist vs. Cosmetic Dentist
Choosing between your regular dentist and a cosmetic dentist for cosmetic dental services depends on factors like the complexity of your case, the level of expertise required, your comfort with the dentist, and of course, financial considerations. Here are the differences between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry for a better understanding:
General Dentist
Your general dentist is the one you visit for regular check-ups, cleanings, and dental care. They’re well-equipped to handle oral health needs and perform procedures like fillings and root canals. While general dentists can offer some cosmetic procedures, their primary focus is dental health rather than cosmetic perfection. They might not have access to specialized equipment, if you’re looking for cutting-edge cosmetic procedures.
Cosmetic Dentist
Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and the aesthetics of your smile. Cosmetic specialists like Dr. Margret Mitchell, a skilled Chicago cosmetic dentist, possess an in-depth understanding of facial aesthetics and advanced dental procedures. Services Dr. Margret can offer include:
- Teeth Whitening – For a brighter, stain-free smile
- Porcelain Veneers – To improve the appearance of teeth
- Dental Crowns – For restoring a tooth’s shape, size, and strength
- Invisalign – A modern alternative for teeth straightening
- Gum Contouring – To shorten and contour a gummy smile
- Bonding – To address chips, reshape teeth, or close gaps
Choosing a regular dentist or cosmetic dentist may be a personal choice and should be made after careful consideration. Specialization often translates into more options and higher-quality results in cosmetic dentistry. If that’s what you’re looking for, a cosmetic dentist will likely have the necessary skills and technology and offer a wider range of cosmetic services.
Why Choose a Cosmetic Dentist for Cosmetic Dental Services?
If you’re seeking basic cosmetic improvements, your regular dentist may suffice. For more complex or artistic work, a specialist might be necessary. Here are three major advantages you get when choosing a cosmetic dentist over a general dentist for cosmetic needs:
Comprehensive Assessment
Cosmetic dentists do not just focus on individual teeth. They offer a comprehensive aesthetic assessment. They’re skilled in crafting perfectly proportionate smiles and maintaining symmetry with your overall facial structure.
Expertise
Cosmetic dentists specialize in procedures that improve oral health and enhance the visual appeal of your teeth. They’re familiar with the trends and are trained to utilize the latest techniques. They have access to latest technology. Combining their experience with advanced technology ensures the highest-quality results.
Personalized Care
A cosmetic dentist can often provide more personalized care. They consider your facial structure, skin tone, and overall aesthetic goals for optimal results. This level of customization can significantly affect the outcome of cosmetic procedures.
Cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance smiles, often improving teeth and bite functionality. Stained teeth, for instance, are treated with professional teeth whitening, which is more effective and safer than over-the-counter kits. On the flip side, it may not work on discoloration due to smoking, medication, or health issues, where bonding and veneers are the better alternatives. Bonding and dental veneers can also fix gaps between teeth and chipped or cracked teeth. Remember that veneers do require some enamel removal.
Misaligned teeth, another major cosmetic concern, can be corrected with a popular cosmetic procedure called Invisalign (or clear aligners). Invisalign is especially beneficial for moderate cases. Problems like missing teeth resulting from injury, illness, or gum disease can benefit from implants, bridges, or dentures. Implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution, while bridges (implant-supported or tooth-supported) provide a more economical option. Removable partial dentures or flippers can be your go-to if you’re looking for a less invasive solution for missing teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry can easily address a variety of your aesthetic and medical dental needs and there are options for every budget. Due to the different treatments available today, almost everyone could benefit from cosmetic dentistry in some form. If you feel ready to improve your smile, Dr. Margret Mitchell can discuss your options and tailor a treatment plan based on your desired results.
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