Most people meet their dentist for the first time in a bright room that smells faintly of mint and disinfectant, often as a child on a swivel chair that felt too big. From there, the path splits. For routine care and problems that crop up, you typically see a general dentist. When you want to shape your smile, you might look for a cosmetic dentist. The lines can blur, especially because many general dentists offer cosmetic dentistry. Knowing which professional to call saves you time, money, and sometimes tooth structure that you can’t get back once it is drilled away.
This guide draws on what actually happens in clinics, not just textbook definitions. I will walk through the core services, where training differs, which scenarios require specialized hands, and how to vet a provider whether you are seeking fillings or porcelain veneers. I will also touch on specific local considerations for patients comparing a dentist in London, Ontario, to a cosmetic dentist offering teeth whitening across town. The goal is simple: match your need to the right clinician and the right timing.
What a general dentist does all day
A general dentist keeps the mouth healthy, functional, and pain free. If you need dental exams, teeth cleaning, fillings, or a root canal, a general practice is your home base. Most general dentists diagnose tooth decay, gum disease, cracked teeth, and early bite problems. They place crowns, treat infections, manage tooth extraction for straightforward cases, and coordinate care with specialists like an endodontist for complex root canals or a dental implants periodontist for advanced bone grafting and implant placement. Think of the general dentist as your primary care provider for the mouth. They are trained to see the whole picture and to triage what should be handled in-house versus referred.
A typical day in a dental clinic includes early morning emergency dental service for someone who woke up with a swollen jaw, mid-day teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist, several fillings, a crown delivery, and a consultation for either orthodontic braces or clear aligner therapy. Some practices also perform myofunctional therapy in collaboration with therapists for airway and habit issues like mouth breathing or tongue thrust, especially in children.
When people ask about braces, it is worth clarifying that Orthodontic braces traditionally fall under orthodontists, yet many general dentists provide limited orthodontics if the case is mild. The same goes for dental implants. General dentists place many implants safely when bone, bite, and gum health are straightforward. Complex cases, like severe bone loss, usually go to a dental implants periodontist or an oral surgeon.
What a cosmetic dentist does differently
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of teeth and smile design, while preserving or improving function. A cosmetic dentist pays meticulous attention to shade, translucency, and how light travels through enamel. They use detailed photography, mock-ups, and temporary restorations to preview results. Procedures often include porcelain veneers, composite bonding, gum contouring, teeth whitening, and full smile makeovers that blend veneers, crowns, and sometimes orthodontics or implants.
Cosmetic training is not a separate dental degree. Instead, it is a path built on continuing education, case volume, and collaboration with master-level dental labs. The best cosmetic dentists can wax a smile by hand, critique a porcelain veneer under color-correct lights, and communicate micro-details to a ceramist who fabricates the final restorations. They understand how thin they can make a veneer without risking fracture, and how to balance the golden proportions of tooth width to height against the patient’s facial features.
Where they overlap with general dentists is broad. Both can do teeth whitening, both can place fillings, both can deliver crowns. The difference is often in the planning and finishing. A general dentist will craft a strong, durable crown that fits your bite and looks natural. A cosmetic dentist will push further to match the halo effect on your central incisors and the texture pattern of your lateral incisors, those tiny grooves that make a tooth look alive rather than like a flat tile.
When function matters more than cosmetics
I have seen patients ask for porcelain veneers to correct a smile when the real issue was a deep bite and heavy wear. If the bite forces are not addressed first, veneers may chip or debond. This is where a general dentist, sometimes in collaboration with an orthodontist, steps in to restore function before artistry. In other cases, a patient wants teeth whitening for a single dark tooth after trauma. Whitening works on external stains, not internal discoloration from a dead nerve. The better route is a root canal to clean the inside of the tooth, then internal bleaching or a carefully matched crown.
Tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers more than a minute, gum swelling, or a cracked filling calls for a general dentist or an emergency dentist. They diagnose, stabilize, and relieve symptoms. Cosmetic dentistry can come later, once the tooth is healthy and the bite stable.
Consider a patient with failing dentures and difficulty chewing. A cosmetic consult might focus on the smile, lip support, and a more lifelike gumline. The general dentist might focus on function and retention, possibly proposing dental implants to anchor the dentures. The best result often blends the two approaches, but the sequence matters: secure the foundation, then refine the appearance.
How to decide: scenarios from practice
A chipped front tooth the night before a wedding. A general dentist can repair it quickly with composite bonding that blends into the enamel, sometimes in a single visit. A cosmetic dentist can do this as well, and if you have time, they might customize the texture to be invisible in high-resolution photos. If time is tight, access matters more than the subspecialty. Call your dentist or an emergency dentist in your city.
Dark, stubby front teeth and a smile you hide in photos. This usually calls for a cosmetic assessment. The plan might include gum recontouring to lengthen the visible teeth, teeth whitening, and four to eight porcelain veneers. If the bite is heavy or the teeth are heavily worn, your general dentist and cosmetic dentist may recommend a night guard or minor orthodontic movement first to reduce stress on the veneers.
A molar throbbing at night, pain that wakes you up. Go to a general dentist for diagnosis. This pattern often suggests pulp inflammation. You may need a root canal or extraction. If the tooth is restorable, a crown follows. The color of a molar crown matters less than its strength and how it fits into the bite, though an experienced clinician will match shade well enough that it disappears when you smile.
Missing a front tooth with a visible space. You have several paths: a dental implant, a bonded bridge, or a traditional bridge. A general dentist can evaluate bone and gum health, then coordinate with a dental implants periodontist or an oral surgeon if needed. For a front tooth, the crown on the implant requires exquisite shade matching, so a cosmetic dentist’s involvement can be helpful. I have seen cases where the titanium abutment shows a gray hue through thin gums. The fix is a zirconia abutment and a customized soft tissue graft, both planned across specialties for a natural result.
Full arch rehabilitation after years of grinding. This level of treatment rewires your bite and restores lost vertical dimension. Choose a dentist who shows you cases similar to yours, not just single-tooth before and after photos. Often it is a general dentist with advanced training in occlusion and a cosmetic focus, or a team involving a prosthodontist. Expect staged temporaries and a protective night guard afterward.
The role of prevention and the dental hygienist
Cosmetic questions often surface during routine care. You sit for teeth cleaning, the dental hygienist notes stain along the gumline, you ask about whitening, and a plan starts to take shape. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings do more than shine teeth. They help catch gum disease early, which matters for any aesthetic work. Inflamed gums bleed during impression taking and can ruin veneer margins. Periodontal stability first, then cosmetics.
Teeth whitening is safe when supervised. Over-the-counter trays help for coffee and tea stain, but uneven shades, internal discoloration, or sensitivity require a clinician’s eye. In busy dental clinic settings, I often recommend a short course of desensitizing toothpaste before whitening, then custom-fit trays to control the gel placement. For uniform results, bleach first, then shade-match any new fillings or veneers two weeks later. Enamel dehydrates during whitening and looks whiter than it will once it rehydrates, so waiting avoids mismatches.
Materials matter more than labels
A beautiful result depends on planning and materials. Porcelain veneers can be made from feldspathic porcelain or pressed ceramics like lithium disilicate. Each has a signature look. Feldspathic layers beautifully and can mimic enamel, but it requires a skilled lab and careful handling. Lithium disilicate offers strength and translucency, which suits patients who clench. Composite bonding is more affordable and preserves enamel, though it may pick up stain over three to five years and require polishing or refresh.
For crowns, zirconia has become common. It is strong and, with newer translucent formulations, looks good in the back of the mouth. For a single front tooth, a layered porcelain crown may blend better, even if it sacrifices a bit of strength. Good cosmetic dentists talk about these trade-offs. Good general dentists do too, especially when function and longevity drive the decision.
Implants are similar. The titanium fixture in the bone is standard. What changes the esthetic result is the abutment and crown material, the emergence profile, and the soft tissue architecture. The most successful cases I have seen involve careful collaboration with a periodontist or a surgeon and a cosmetic-minded restorative dentist who designs the final contours before the implant goes in.
The ethics of shaving teeth
Teeth do not grow back. Every millimeter removed for veneers or crowns is a permanent choice. Minimal-prep veneers and no-prep techniques exist, especially when teeth are small or set back, but many smiles require some reduction to create space. A responsible cosmetic dentist will show you a reversible mock-up first, either digitally or with bonded resin that pops off. If you feel pressure to commit without a preview, pause. Your general dentist can provide a second opinion on how much enamel will be removed and whether a less aggressive option, like orthodontic movement followed by conservative bonding, could achieve your goal.
I recall a young professional who wanted eight veneers for slightly crooked teeth and minor discoloration. She had healthy enamel and a narrow smile. Instead of prepping, we expanded the arch slightly with aligners over six months, performed targeted teeth https://ameblo.jp/titususxf253/entry-12956423925.html whitening, and did three small areas of bonding to adjust shape. She kept nearly all her enamel and still got a broader, brighter smile. Not every case allows this, but it is a conversation worth having.
Cost, timelines, and durability
Teeth whitening is the simplest cosmetic service. In-office whitening takes about 60 to 90 minutes with a couple of follow-up sessions. Expect touch-ups every few months if you drink coffee or red wine. Take-home trays spread the process over one to two weeks. Sensitivity is common but manageable.
Composite bonding can be completed in one visit for small chips or gaps. It costs less than porcelain but usually lasts three to seven years before it needs a refresh. Porcelain veneers take longer, typically two to three visits over two to four weeks. Temporaries give you a preview of shape and length. Good veneers last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer with a night guard and regular maintenance.
Dental implants take the longest. From the day of tooth extraction, you may wait three to six months for bone to heal before placing the implant, then another three to four months before loading it with a crown. Immediate implants and immediate temporization are possible in the right conditions, but not every site qualifies. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and gum disease slow healing and increase risks.
Crowns and bridges sit somewhere in between. A single crown takes two visits. A bridge may require more time if the supporting teeth need buildup or root canal therapy.
Emergency situations: who to call when pain hits
If you wake up with sharp pain when biting or a pimple-like bump on the gum, contact a general dentist or an emergency dentist. Many dental clinic teams hold slots each day for urgent care. In London, Ontario, you will find listings for Emergency dentist London Ontario or Emergency dentist London, and many of those practices also provide routine care. The critical step is to control infection and pain. A cosmetic plan can wait.
If a veneer or crown falls off right before a presentation, save the restoration, keep the tooth clean, and call your dentist. Temporary cement from the pharmacy can hold for a day in a pinch, but it is not a long-term solution. Do not use super glue. The dentist will evaluate whether the original crown can be recemented or if decay or fracture requires a new one.
A knocked-out tooth, especially in a child, is time-sensitive. Keep the tooth moist in milk, not water. Do not scrub the root. Seek an emergency dental service immediately. Reimplantation works best within 30 to 60 minutes.
Local notes for patients in London, Ontario
If you are searching terms like Dentists London Ontario, Dental clinic London, or Dentist London Ontario, you will find a mix of general and cosmetic-oriented practices. Many offer comprehensive dental services under one roof: dental exams, teeth cleaning, fillings, root canals, tooth extraction, dentures, and dental implants. A few focus more tightly on cosmetic dentistry London or teeth whitening London Ontario. Others highlight their relationship with a dental implants periodontist for complex implant cases.
Practical steps help. Ask for a photo portfolio of cases similar to yours. For dental implants London or Dental implants London Ontario, request a discussion about grafting, abutment materials, and how the temporary tooth will look during healing. If your priority is teeth whitening London, understand the maintenance protocol so you can keep the shade stable after treatment. For dentures London Ontario, ask how the team sets the teeth for speech and chewing, not just appearance.
How to vet a provider beyond the website
You get better care when you ask better questions. Use this simple comparison list to orient your decision without getting lost in jargon.
- Your goal: relieve pain, fix a cavity, or address gum health — start with a general dentist. Plan cosmetic changes once the mouth is stable. Your goal: change the color, shape, or alignment of visible teeth — consult a cosmetic dentist or a general dentist with advanced cosmetic cases in their portfolio. Complex implants or significant bone loss — ensure a periodontist or surgeon is involved from the planning stage, even if your general or cosmetic dentist places the final crown. Orthodontic movement needed for bite or crowded teeth — consider an orthodontist for braces or aligners, with your general dentist coordinating overall care. You are unsure — schedule a general dentist first. A good clinician will bring in colleagues at the right moment and guide you through options.
The quiet importance of maintenance
No matter how skilled the cosmetic work, maintenance decides longevity. Wear a night guard if you clench or grind. See your dental hygienist two to four times a year depending on your gum health and the amount of restorative work in your mouth. Bonded composites need polishing to keep their luster. Veneers need gentle care at the margin where porcelain meets tooth. Avoid biting ice or hard candies with front teeth. For whitening, keep custom trays and use a mild gel for periodic touch-ups rather than overdoing intense sessions that can cause sensitivity.
People sometimes ask whether they should avoid scaling around veneers or implants. The short answer is no. Proper instruments and technique protect restorations while removing plaque. Your hygienist will switch to plastic or titanium scalers around implants to avoid scratching the surface, and will adjust polish grit to preserve glaze on porcelain.
Edge cases and trade-offs you might not hear about
White spot lesions after braces often frustrate patients. Bleaching can make white spots more visible. Microabrasion or resin infiltration can blend them before whitening. This is a tiny detail that a cosmetic dentist or a general dentist with esthetic training will note during planning.
Gummy smiles can result from short teeth, excessive gum display, or a lip that rises high when smiling. Some cases respond to simple gum contouring. Others require lifting the gumline with crown lengthening or addressing the lip movement. Choose a clinician who diagnoses the source, not just the symptom.
Older patients with multiple existing crowns and fillings sometimes ask for a “Hollywood smile.” Replacing everything to match can be done, but each replacement removes more tooth. A more conservative path is to whiten natural teeth, replace front crowns selectively to improve uniformity, and leave strong, well-fitting back crowns alone until they fail.
A single dark tooth after a root canal can be internally bleached instead of crowned. This preserves tooth structure. It also requires a dentist who understands the sealing protocol to prevent recontamination. The result can be excellent, but it takes patience and a couple of short appointments.
Putting it together
Choosing between a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist is less about the sign on the door and more about the problem you want solved and the evidence the clinician shows. For pain, infection, and routine care, start with a general dentist. For color, shape, alignment, and detailed smile design, involve a cosmetic dentist. When implants, orthodontic movement, or gum surgery enter the picture, ask who is planning what, and in what sequence. The safest, most beautiful outcomes come from clear planning, photos and models you can see, and a team that is comfortable saying “not yet” when health or function needs attention first.
If you are in a city with many options, like London, Ontario, look beyond the marketing terms such as Cosmetic dentistry London Ontario or Teeth whitening London. Review case photos, ask about materials, and make sure the office explains how they will keep your bite comfortable during and after treatment. A thoughtful plan respects your enamel, your time, and your budget.
The smile you want is not a single procedure. It is a series of good decisions, each one built on the last. Start with health, choose materials and techniques for your unique mouth, and keep up with maintenance. Whether you sit in the chair of a general dentist or a cosmetic dentist, that approach is what makes the result last.