When searching for dental care, you may wonder, “What’s the difference between a dentist and a cosmetic dentist?” While both professionals focus on oral health, their training, treatment approaches, and services differ significantly.

A general dentist focuses on preventive care, oral health maintenance, and restorative treatments like fillings, root canals, and gum disease management. A cosmetic dentist, on the other hand, specializes in improving the appearance of teeth and smiles through procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers.
Understanding these key differences between a dentist and a cosmetic dentist can help you choose the right dental professional for your specific needs.
What Is a General Dentist?
A general dentist is your primary oral healthcare provider, focusing on diagnosing, preventing, and treating common dental issues to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
A general dentist offers a wide range of services, including:
- Routine cleanings and exams to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Cavity detection and fillings to treat minor tooth decay.
- Root canals to save infected teeth from extraction.
- Tooth extractions for severely damaged or impacted teeth.
- Crowns and bridges to restore damaged teeth.
- Gum disease treatment to prevent periodontal issues.
- Patient education on proper brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene.
When Should You See a General Dentist?
You should visit a general dentist for the following reasons:
- Regular checkups and cleanings (recommended every six months).
- Treatment of toothaches, sensitivity, or gum pain.
- Fillings, crowns, or restorative treatments.
- Managing gum disease and deep cleanings.
- Addressing broken or missing teeth.
If your primary concern is oral health maintenance, disease prevention, or treating dental pain, a general dentist is the best option.
What Is a Cosmetic Dentist?
A cosmetic dentist is a general dentist with additional training in aesthetic dental procedures. While they focus on enhancing smile appearance, they also ensure the functionality of your teeth remains intact.
Cosmetic dentists specialize in aesthetic treatments such as:
- Teeth Whitening – Removing stains and discoloration of teeth for a brighter smile.
- Porcelain Veneers – Covering imperfections like chips, gaps, and discoloration.
- Dental Bonding – Repairing minor chips and cracks with tooth-colored resin.
- Gum Contouring – Reshaping the gumline for a more symmetrical smile.
- Invisalign & Orthodontics – Straightening teeth with clear aligners.
- Smile Makeovers – A customized plan that combines multiple treatments.
When Should You See a Cosmetic Dentist?
A cosmetic dentist is ideal if you:
- Want to whiten and brighten your smile.
- Have chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth.
- Are considering veneers for a flawless look.
- Want to correct gaps or minor misalignment.
- Are looking for a full smile makeover.
If your primary goal is to improve your smile’s appearance, a cosmetic dentist is the right choice.
Education & Training: General Dentist vs Cosmetic Dentist
Both general dentists and cosmetic dentists complete the same foundational education, including:
- A 4 year bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.
- A 4 year dental school program to earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
- Passing licensing exams to legally practice dentistry.
However, cosmetic dentists undergo additional training in:
- Advanced aesthetic procedures like veneers, digital smile design, and bonding.
- Minimally invasive cosmetic techniques to enhance natural smiles.
- Soft tissue aesthetics to improve gum contouring and reshaping.
Many dentists pursue continuing education and advanced certifications to refine their expertise in aesthetic procedures.
FAQs About Cosmetic Dentistry
Do General Dentists Offer Cosmetic Procedures?
Yes! Many general dentists provide basic cosmetic treatments like whitening, bonding, and veneers. However, cosmetic dentists specialize in advanced aesthetic procedures and smile makeovers.
Are Cosmetic Dentists More Expensive?
Yes, cosmetic procedures typically cost more due to high-quality materials and advanced technology. However, treatments like veneers and Invisalign provide long-lasting results and functional benefits.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?
Most dental insurance plans do not cover purely cosmetic treatments. However, procedures like crowns, bonding, or implants may be partially covered if they serve a functional purpose.
Can a Cosmetic Dentist Fix Crooked Teeth?
Yes! A cosmetic dentist can correct misalignment using Invisalign, veneers, or orthodontic treatments to straighten teeth and improve overall appearance.
How Do I Choose Between a General Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist?
If you need routine checkups, fillings, or gum disease treatment, a general dentist is best. If you want to whiten, reshape, or transform your smile, visit a cosmetic dentist.
Which Dentist Is Right for You?
Understanding the key difference between a dentist and a cosmetic dentist allows you to make the right choice for your dental care. General dentists focus on oral health maintenance and restorative treatments, while cosmetic dentists specialize in aesthetic procedures that enhance smile appearance.
If you need preventive care, fillings, or gum disease treatment, a general dentist is ideal. However, if you’re looking for teeth whitening, veneers, or a complete smile makeover, a cosmetic dentist can be of great help.
Transform Your Smile with Riverwalk Dental Jupiter!
At Riverwalk Dental Jupiter, we offer both general and cosmetic dentistry to keep your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful. Whether you need preventive care or a complete smile transformation, our experienced team is ready to help.
Call (561) 264-2467 today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a confident, radiant smile!
Bibliography & Sources
Colgate – “General Dentist vs. Cosmetic Dentist: Who Should You See?”
Indeed – “How To Become a Cosmetic Dentist in 7 Steps (With Duties)”
Parsons Pointe Dental Care – “How Is a Cosmetic Dentist Different Than a General Dentist?”
- https://parsonspointedentalcare.com/blog/how-is-a-cosmetic-dentist-different-than-a-general-dentist/
GIO Dental – “How to Get Into Cosmetic Dentistry?”
McCarthy Dentistry – “General vs. Cosmetic Dentist: Which Is the Better Option”