What’s the difference between a general and a cosmetic dentist? Can a general dentist be a cosmetic dentist or vice versa? Well, there’s a big difference and yes, they can be one in the same. When a dentist leaves dental school they are a “general dentist”. A general dentist is focused on the diagnoses, prevention and treatment of oral disease and broken or decayed teeth. In general they fix what is broken, maintain dental health and keep your teeth in good working order.
Some general dentists may choose to have a practice focused on cosmetic dentistry. So you may ask yourself, “what makes a good general dentist a good cosmetic dentist?”. If a dentist wants to specialize in an area such as oral surgery or periodontics, they have to attend several more years of school and receive more specialized training in that specific area of dentistry. But since cosmetic dentistry isn’t recognized as a dental specialty, and there is no “school” for the specialty. So where do dentist get the training?
A cosmetic dentist usually receives additional training through courses and programs specific to cosmetic dentistry. The cosmetic dentists’ focus is on enhancing the patients smile and the aesthetic appearance of their teeth. What sets a good cosmetic dentist apart from other is that they are an artist. He or she has an eye for the aesthetics of dentistry and what makes a smile look natural and beautiful.
Dr. Sullivan has not only completed hours of training in cosmetic procedures and now mentors other dentists and lectures all around the country, he is an artist at heart. Over the years, he has refined and honed the ability to look at a smile and instantly know what combination of aesthetic techniques is required to maximize its beauty.
In aesthetic dentistry, Dr. Sullivan has a highly regarded reputation as a cosmetic dentist and will leave no stone unturned in his goal to maximize the potential of your smile. Dr. Sullivan considers a wide variety of factors, including:
- Contours — of your lips, gums and teeth
- Arrangement — how your teeth fit together to create your smile
- Teeth Characteristics — position, size, shape, length, width, angle and axial inclination
- The Shape of Your Face — square, round, long, wide, high, oval, etc.
- Personality — plays a significant role in the ideally matching smile
- Lifestyle — as Dr. Sullivan likes to say, “You can’t take a Porsche off-roading!”
- Weight, Gender & Age — all play a role in your new smile
Dr. Sullivan is a general and cosmetic dentist dedicated to making sure you have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. When you come to our office you can be sure that you are getting the best in general dental care AND the best in cosmetic dentistry. You’re smile is an investment in YOU so be sure you choose the best!
