Cosmetic vs. General Dentist

Most people do not like going to the dentist so you're not alone! Maybe you have an area in your mouth that has become sensitive to hot or cold foods. Maybe you just can't get rid of your bad breath, maybe you wish your teeth looked nicer so that you wouldn't have to cover your mouth when you smile, or just maybe it's been too long since your last dental visit. So it is finally time to see a dentist. What kind of dentist is best for you? Dr. Bard Levey (a dentist near Croton, Scarsdale, Yorktown, Rye, and Westchester NY) gives his opinion on cosmetic vs. general dentistry.

Unlike dental specialists, general dentists can perform a large variety of dental procedures. The procedures that general dentists can perform include dental cleanings, tooth colored and metal fillings (amalgams), laser fillings, tooth extractions, dental crowns, dental bridgework to replace missing teeth, dental inlays, dental onlays, tooth veneers, root canal treatments, dentures and partial dentures, dental implants, and treatments for gum disease (periodontal disease). General dentistry in Westchester can be performed on people of any age, from very young to old.

Many general dentists practice as part of a large group. Some drawbacks to large general dentistry group practices are that patients might see a different dentist or different dental hygienist at each visit, making it hard to establish a relationship with the dentist. The large offices may also appear to be more hectic due to the large number of people seen each day. The focus of the practice might be tuned to performing a larger quantity of dentistry on more people, rather than to performing a higher quality of dentistry on fewer people (quantity vs. quality). This focus does not mean that unneeded work will be done, rather it means that the focus of treatment might be more towards patching problems (ie. quicker fix) rather than restoring problems with more long term solutions.

A cosmetic dentist is a dentist who chooses to focus their practice in certain areas. Most cosmetic dentists in Scarsdale, Croton, and Yorktown concentrate on treating the dental needs of adults. Cosmetic dentists usually offer tooth colored dental fillings, and tooth colored (porcelain) dental crowns. Cosmetic dentists can offer several forms of teeth whitening, such as Britesmile, Zoom, and Rembrandt in office teeth whitening, as well as take home teeth whitening options. Cosmetic dentists restore dental implants in a most natural and esthetic way. Because they focus on the need of adults, cosmetic dentists usually see fewer patients each day, allowing them to have longer appointment times and perform work of a higher quality that has the potential to last longer and be a more long term solution than the patchwork dentistry often offered by very busy general dentists. Cosmetic dentists in Westchester NY usually don't accept insurance as payment in full, but you will almost always be sure that you will see the same dentist and dental hygienist at each visit.

So how do you find the right dentist in Westchester NY?

Ask yourself these simple questions:
1. Am I looking for a dentist for just myself or for my kids as well?
2. Does it matter to me or my family if we see the same dentist and dental hygienist at each visit?
3. Am I willing to pay some out of pocket cost for higher quality, longer lasting dentistry, or do I just want to let my insurance pay for everything (even if it means that is it likely to have dental work replaced more frequently?
4. Do I want to see a group of dentist that "do it all" in one location (from young to old patients, from extractions to fillings to dentures?) Or do I want a dentist who focus' on the needs and wants of adults only?

There are no right or wrong answers here, just choices.

Remember, not all dentists are alike. A general dentist accepting reduced fees from insurance will not be able to afford the same diagnostic technology, nor will they be able to perform the same quality dentistry as a fee- for- service cosmetic dentist who charges a higher fee, and so can sees fewer patients each day. Dr. Bard J. Levey is a cosmetic dentist with offices located in Westchester County NY, near Croton-on-Hudson, Yorktown, and Scarsdale. With over 1000 hours of advanced post graduate training, his practice focus' on the dreams and needs of adult patients.