Cosmetic and family dentistry can seem like two different fields of dentistry. While the primary focus of general dentistry is to diagnose, treat, prevent, and correct teeth-related problems in adults, cosmetic and family dentistry tend to focus on fixing or improving your smile through various methods. However, both types of specialists also work with patients who have concerns about their teeth.
The main difference between these two branches of dentistry has more to do with the age group they primarily treat than anything else. Cosmetic dentists tend to focus on adult patients, while family dentists are more likely to treat younger patients and their parents. Family and cosmetic dental practices aren’t that much different from general dentistry. They perform many of the same services as a general dentist would, but with a specific focus on those areas that are relevant to the patient’s situation.
Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth and smile through various methods. Many people choose to seek out cosmetic dentists to improve the look of their teeth and smile because they have been affected by a dental condition that can be corrected with a cosmetic procedure.
For example, some people might have teeth that are misaligned, out of place, or chipped. Others might have dark stains on their teeth or gaps where a tooth has fallen out. There are also cases in which people need to correct the appearance of their teeth because they have had some kind of trauma to the mouth. Cosmetic dentists can correct all of these issues and more through cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and orthodontics.
Family dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of everyone in a family. Typically, family dentists cater to patients of all ages, including children. There are many reasons why someone may choose to see a family dental specialist, including: problems with teeth, gums, and/or the jaw, misaligned teeth, missing teeth, cavities, and concerns about gum disease.
Family dentists, who are trained and licensed to treat patients of all ages, can diagnose and treat these issues with ease. They can also give guidance to younger patients about how to properly care for their teeth and avoid issues such as cavities in the future. Overall, family dentists aim to keep your family’s oral health in check.
Both cosmetic and family dentistry are general dentists. The difference between the two lies in the types of services they offer and the age group they focus on. Cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the appearance of teeth through various procedures, while family dentists focus on treating the entire mouth and teeth.
Cosmetic dentists often work with adult patients, while family dentists work with younger patients and their parents. While both cosmetic and family dentistry can offer many of the same services, there are a few key differences between the two. For example, family dentists are more likely to treat patients of all ages, and therefore, will have more experience treating children than cosmetic dentists.
Family dentists are also more likely to offer services such as sealants, fillings, and X-rays, which are usually reserved for general dentists. Cosmetic dentists, on the other hand, are likely to offer a wider range of cosmetic services.
Family dentists provide a wide range of services, including, but not limited to: teeth cleaning, sealants, fillings, X-rays, gum disease treatment, oral hygiene instruction, and orthodontic care. While these services are often provided by general dentists as well, family dentists are more likely to offer them to patients due to their experience with younger patients.
Many general dentists don’t treat young patients, so their expertise with oral health doesn’t extend to children. Family dentists, on the other hand, often treat young children who have minor oral health concerns, such as teeth that are misaligned or have too much space between them. Family dentists can also treat children who have cavities or gingivitis.
Cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the appearance of teeth through various procedures, such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and orthodontics. Cosmetic dentists also treat patients who have been affected by a dental condition that can be corrected using a cosmetic procedure. They can correct dark stains on teeth and gaps where a tooth has fallen out, for example. Some cosmetic dentists might offer teeth cleaning and flossing services as well, though most general dentists would be more qualified to provide these services.
Cosmetic dentists also provide teeth whitening services, which is used to remove dark stains from teeth. Teeth whitening is also used to correct teeth that are discolored due to certain health conditions, certain medications, or tobacco use. Teeth whitening can be done in-office or at-home, depending on the patient’s needs. Some dentists may recommend teeth whitening for patients who are getting porcelain veneers, as teeth whitening is often required before porcelain veneers can be applied.
Family and cosmetic dentistry are two branches of dentistry that both focus on improving your smile and oral health. While the primary focus of general dentistry is to diagnose, treat, prevent, and correct teeth-related problems in adults, cosmetic and family dentistry tend to focus on fixing or improving your smile through various methods.
Cosmetic and family dentistry are general dentists who specialize in treating patients of all ages, but they tend to focus on different aspects of oral health. Family dentists tend to treat younger patients, while cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the appearance of teeth through various procedures.
References:
1-Cosmetic dentistry
Publishing Date: August 2006
doi: 10.1097/01.moo.0000233596.68928.39
2-Compromised dental cells viability following teeth-whitening exposure
Publishing Date: 30 July 2021
doi: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94745-w
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