Your teeth have a job to do. They break down food to start digestion and help you speak clearly. Teeth are more than just functional, though. You want your teeth to look good, too. A dazzling smile can boost your confidence and help you make a great first impression.
So, how do you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile? With the help of cosmetic and family dentistry. Understanding the differences between these two dental specialties and how they can help your teeth can help you make an informed choice about who to call for your dental care needs.
What Is Family Dentistry?
Good oral care starts in childhood and continues throughout your life. Family dentists offer comprehensive dental services to keep your smile healthy and functional. A family dentist ensures you have the dental care you need at every stage, from infants to seniors.
Family dentistry focuses on preventative care. By prioritizing regular checkups, cleanings, and treatments, your family dentist can help you avoid more costly and complex dental procedures down the road. They can also offer services like root canals and tooth extractions when necessary.
Many family dentists go the extra mile to create a welcoming environment and make your experience in the dental chair a positive one. They know that when going to the dentist is a good experience, patients are more likely to maintain their oral health in the future.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
If you’ve ever wanted a brighter, straighter, or more dazzling smile, cosmetic dentistry can help. Some cosmetic procedures can benefit oral health. However, the primary goal of this specialized dental field is to improve the look of your mouth.
Cosmetic dentists offer a variety of procedures to address dental concerns, like teeth whitening for discoloration or veneers for chipped teeth. They may also provide dental bonding, implants, and enamel shaping services to improve aesthetics. Cosmetic dentistry requires in-depth knowledge of specialized techniques and materials, so not every dentist can provide cosmetic dentistry services.
During your first meeting with a cosmetic dentist, they’ll take time to learn about your concerns and understand what your goals are for your smile. Then, they’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to help you reach those goals and give you a smile you can’t wait to show off.
Do I Need a Family or Cosmetic Dentist?
Whether you need a family or cosmetic dentist will depend on your dental care needs. Do you want a healthier smile or one that looks better in the mirror?
See a cosmetic dentist when:
- Your teeth work fine, but you aren’t happy with how they look
- You want services like teeth whitening to make your smile brighter
- You have concerns like discoloration, chips, or gaps in your teeth
See a family dentist when:
- You need a routine cleaning or preventative care
- You are experiencing a problem with your teeth that affects their function
- You need a dentist that can treat everyone in your family
Many family dentists offer cosmetic dentistry services to address a range of oral health concerns. If they don’t offer cosmetic dentistry services, they can refer you to someone who does. If you aren’t sure what kind of dentist you need, start with a family dentist for recommendations and advice.
Full Heart Dentistry Offers Both Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
At Full Heart Dentistry, we love creating smiles that are both healthy and beautiful. That’s why we offer a complete range of cosmetic and family dentistry services under one roof. Whether you need a routine checkup, veneers, or anything in between, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your dental goals.
Let’s create bright, healthy smiles for your whole family. Our caring team creates a welcoming environment for patients of all ages. Contact us today to schedule your appointments.