When it comes to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile, choosing the right dental provider means all the difference. They can help with either general dentistry or cosmetic services to keep your oral health in check. Understanding the difference between general and cosmetic dentistry is essential. Whether you need a routine cleaning or want to enhance the appearance of your teeth, knowing which type of care to seek can help you make the right decision. Dentil Artistry is a trusted dentist in Lafayette who can help you meet your dental goals. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the two to help you choose the right treatment for your smile.

Understanding General Dentistry

General dentistry services are all about keeping your mouth, teeth, gums, (and overall health) in check. When you have a healthy mouth, it also impacts your total wellness. Whether you’re coming in for a routine visit or need restorative work, our goal is to help you maintain a healthy smile for life. We take the time to get to know your needs and create a personalized plan that fits you. The services we provide below are considered under the umbrella of “general dentistry” for our clients. When you’re searching for general dentistry in Lafayette, we can help with the following:

Dental exams and cleanings: Preventive dentistry is important to keep your mouth and gums from developing future problems.
Digital X-Rays: Advanced X-rays give a detailed look at your teeth and gums to determine the best treatment possible.
Gum Disease Treatment: We have treatments for inflammation or bleeding in the gums.
Tooth-Colored Fillings – For treating cavities, we use natural-looking composite materials that blend right in with your existing teeth.
Root Canals – When a tooth is badly infected, a root canal can save it and relieve pain without needing to pull it.
Crowns and Bridges – We use crowns to strengthen damaged teeth and bridges to replace missing ones. This helps restore functionality and appearance.
Full and partial dentures– If you’re missing several teeth, we offer custom-made dentures that look natural and fit comfortably.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation- In some cases, full mouth rehabilitation is necessary to restore your smile.

We also have access to the latest digital technology to make your experience as comfortable and effective as possible. From digital imaging to modern numbing techniques, we’re here to make dental care easier and more personalized for you.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is more focused on enhancing the appearance of your smile and functionality. Dr. Thomas  Sammons and Dr. Ann Laurent help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile. These services below are what you get when you work with our cosmetic dentist in Lafayette.

Botox and Juvederm – Smooth out fine lines and wrinkles with FDA-approved injectables that complement your dental treatments and enhance your overall facial aesthetics.
Cosmetic Bonding – A quick and affordable way to fix chips, cracks, or gaps using tooth-colored resin. It can also be done in only one visit.
Dental Implants – These are a more durable option for missing teeth that give you better functionality over dentures.
Teeth Whitening – Brighten your smile with professional whitening treatments available in-office or with a convenient take-home kit.
Veneers and Laminates – Custom-made porcelain or composite shells that cover the front of teeth to correct discoloration, unevenness, or other cosmetic flaws.

Comparing General Vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

These two dental services can often go hand-in-hand, but they do serve different purposes. Understanding the difference between them can help you know what to expect on your next dental visit. If you had to sum up general dentistry in three words, it would be prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It includes routine cleanings, exams, fillings, and other procedures that keep your teeth and gums healthy. The goal is to maintain function and avoid more serious dental problems down the road.

Conversely, cosmetic dentistry is about improving the appearance of your teeth and gums. While all of these services aren’t medically necessary, they can make a huge impact on your smile and how your teeth function. If you had to sum up cosmetic dentistry in three words it would be improving color, shape, and alignment.

Ready to Love Your Smile? Visit Our Dentist In Lafayette

Whether you’re due for a checkup or considering a cosmetic upgrade, our team at Dental Artistry is here to help you feel confident and comfortable with your smile. We’re always happy to answer your questions, schedule an appointment, or talk through your dental goals. Contact us today.

Visit Us:

Dental Artistry

108 Rue Louis XIV

Lafayette, LA 70508

Call Us:

(337) 406-0099