A popular question we receive from new patients in our orthodontic office in Dallas is, “What is the difference between a cosmetic dentist and general dentistry?” While it’s true that there’s no doctorate dedicated to cosmetic dentistry, a dentist who graduates from dental school may choose to continue their education in cosmetic dentistry. Typically, a dentist will perform additional procedures or take additional classes that specialize in cosmetic dentistry.
General dentistry, on the other hand, typically includes all the procedures that people have come to expect of dentists. This would consist of treatments such as teeth cleanings, fillings, and other procedures that keep their patient’s oral health in excellent condition. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to overcome problems that prevent people from having their absolute best smile. While some patients in Dallas have issues with crooked teeth, others may have experienced trauma which led to oral damage. A cosmetic dentist decides the best course of treatment depending on the patient’s needs and works with them to help correct the problems and work towards a beautiful smile.
While there are different types of dental cosmetic treatment options, the kind of treatment determined by a cosmetic dentist will depend on the patient’s teeth condition and overall goals. Oftentimes, a cosmetic dentist works with our orthodontist in Dallas for a total mouth restoration plan. Some popular orthodontic treatments that we may use include Invisalign®, Damon braces, iBraces, and more.
While a general dentist can provide regular teeth cleanings as a proactive approach for maintaining good oral health, our orthodontist can offer solutions that will help a patient to avoid the need for other, more invasive treatments in the future. For example, thumb sucking is a bad habit for children that can lead to a wide variety of dental problems when they’re older. Our orthodontist in Dallas can help with this issue.
Dr. Ragan at Ragan Orthodontics is an orthodontist with years of hands-on cosmetic dentistry experience and training. Our Dallas, TX offices provide a variety of treatments that can give you the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started with orthodontic treatment!