What is the difference between “General Dentistry” and “Cosmetic Dentistry”?
While “cosmetic dentistry” is not a legally recognized specialty, it does require extensive additional training that takes years. This means a commitment of time and money on the part of the dentist and the desire to be as much of an artist as a dentist. Carson City Dentists, Dr. Clint Euse, Dr. Kelly Euse, Dr. Randy Wright, and Dr. Matt Lisenby, are passionate about the appearance of their dental work by making it as beautiful as possible. When dentists graduate from dental school, they are considered “general dentists.” That is, they are licensed to perform all aspects of dentistry (fillings, crowns, dentures, extractions, root canals, veneers, implants, periodontal procedures, etc), hence the name, “general dentist.” “Cosmetic dentistry” is the art of addressing the functionality while also understanding that esthetics play a major role. Cosmetic dentistry can include any of the following procedures: having a resin (or white filling) placed instead of a metal filling; bleaching, veneers, porcelain crowns, full-mouth rehabilitations, orthodontics, and even high-end dentures. “Cosmetic dentist,” is a term that describes doing dentistry with the intent of the final result being beautiful, esthetic, and pleasing to the eye. A creative and artistic eye is always needed when doing “cosmetic” dentistry. To have the skills associated with “cosmetic dentistry,” the doctors must dedicate themselves to extensive hours of continuing education after dental school. They must learn the materials and properties of numerous products that they just don’t have time to teach in dental school. There are complex bonding agents, various porcelains, opaquers, tints, resins etc., that require a great deal of training and understanding. There is the chemistry of bonding; different materials have different properties of texture, color, translucency, strength and polishability that all have to be mastered to produce beautiful and natural looking results. Cosmetic dentists also study face shapes and the alignment of the teeth. At Advanced Dentistry by Design in Carson City, we offer the highest level of technical skills combined with the passion of cosmetic dentistry, making us the best at what we do: creating beautiful, functional, and healthy teeth and smiles. We offer traditional and new restoration techniques for functionality and health as well as veneers, bonding, porcelain crowns, composite (white) fillings, bleaching, braces, and dentures for cosmetics. We strive to meet the wants of our patients, and give them the confidence in their smiles that they deserve! Call us today to schedule at (775) 400-2533. We look forward to smiling with you!