While getting a beautiful, healthy smile, knowing the difference between going to see a cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist is paramount. They are both essential players in enhancing the beauty of your teeth, yet they have varied functions.
At Lincolnwood Family Dental, we receive frequent inquiries on, “Do I visit an orthodontist or cosmetic dentist?”
Well, let’s clarify for you.
Understanding the Basics
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Whether it’s crowding, bite issues, or jaw alignment, orthodontists use tools like braces, Invisalign, retainers, and more to guide your teeth into the right position over time.
Orthodontists undergo 2–3 additional years of training after dental school to gain advanced expertise in facial and dental alignment.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. If you’re looking for whiter teeth, fixing chipped or worn teeth, closing small gaps, or reshaping your smile, a cosmetic dentist is your go-to expert.
Common cosmetic dentistry treatments include:
- Teeth whitening
- Veneers
- Dental bonding
- Contouring and reshaping
- Dental crowns and bridges
Cosmetic Dentist vs Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?
Although there is some crossover, particularly in contemporary dentistry, the essence of the distinction rests in why the treatment is undertaken. Orthodontists are seeking to fix functionality and alignment, whereas cosmetic dentists are improving the overall appearance of your smile.
Let’s compare the two in more detail:
Feature | Cosmetic Dentist | Orthodontist |
Primary Focus | Aesthetic enhancements | Functional adjustments |
Common Treatments | Veneers, whitening, bonding | Braces, Invisalign, retainers |
Training | General dental degree + emphasis on aesthetics | Dental degree + 2-3 years orthodontic residency |
Ideal For | Stains, chips, small gaps, uneven teeth | Crowding, overbites, underbites, jaw alignment issues |
When to See a Cosmetic Dentist
You might benefit from cosmetic dentistry if you experience:
- Discolored or stained teeth: Professional whitening or veneers can give you a whiter, brighter smile.
- Chipped or broken teeth: Cosmetic bonding and crowns are good solutions.
- Gaps between teeth: Small gaps can be easily filled quickly with bonding or veneers.
- Misshapen teeth: Reshaping and contouring can help even things out.
- General smile makeover: If you want to enhance multiple aspects of your smile simultaneously, a cosmetic dentist can devise an overall plan.
At Lincolnwood Family Dental, our cosmetic dentists are experts at designing natural, beautiful smiles with the latest technology and methods.
When to See an Orthodontist
Orthodontic treatment may be required if you have:
- Crooked or crowded teeth: Braces or clear aligners can align them over time.
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite: These problems may impact speech, chewing, and even facial alignment.
- Jaw pain or clicking: Misalignment can put your jaw joints (TMJ) under strain.
- Trouble keeping your teeth clean: Misaligned teeth are more difficult to brush and floss, and could result in cavities or gum disease.
Some general dentists provide braces or aligners, but only an experienced orthodontist possesses the advanced training needed to address severe alignment problems correctly and safely.
Can You See Both?
Absolutely. In fact, many people start with orthodontic treatment to correct the alignment of their teeth and then follow up with cosmetic dentistry to improve their final smile. For instance, you might straighten your teeth with Invisalign and then whiten them later for a total makeover.
At Lincolnwood Family Dental, we provide both services in one location. Our staff works together to make sure your treatment plan not only enhances function but also gives you a smile you’re proud to display.
Benefits at a Glance
Why Choose Cosmetic Dentistry?
- Boost your confidence and appearance
- Enjoy quick and pain-free treatments
- Get results tailored to your unique facial features
- Achieve long-lasting beauty and oral health
Why Choose Orthodontics?
- Improve bite and jaw function
- Prevent future dental issues
- Make cleaning your teeth easier
- Support long-term oral wellness
Choosing the Right Provider: Lincolnwood Family Dental
Whether you are looking at cosmetic dentistry or orthodontic procedure the greatest choice is that of a practitioner you can rely on. Here at Lincolnwood Family Dental, we are honored to provide both services with individualized care.
Our state-of-the-art clinic is outfitted with the latest technology to allow for precision and comfort. Our orthodontists and dentists work together on difficult cases so that you are provided with a full range of care specific to your individual smile.
The Final Word
So, do you require a cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist? The answer is based on your individual needs:
- If you’re addressing alignment, crowding, or bite problems, begin with an orthodontist.
- If you want to enhance the appearance of your smile with whitening, bonding, or veneers, a cosmetic dentist is the way to go.
- If you desire a complete smile makeover, you might need both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some cosmetic dentists are trained in Invisalign, but if your bite is off or crowding is moderate to severe, it’s safer to work with an orthodontist. Our integrated team makes sure you get the right specialist for your unique needs.
That’s a job for cosmetic dentistry. Uneven or misshapen teeth can often be corrected with contouring, bonding, or porcelain veneers.
It depends on the shift. Minor relapse can often be corrected with clear aligners or cosmetic work, but significant movement typically needs an orthodontic reassessment.
Orthodontics may be partially covered, especially for kids or medically necessary cases. Cosmetic treatments are typically not covered, but we’ll help you explore your options and flexible payment plans.
Most patients need to wait 6–12 weeks post-treatment for gum stabilization and retainer use. We’ll schedule your cosmetic timeline accordingly.
