Dr. Stuart Rimes, D.D.S., is an active member of organizations such as the American Dental Association and American College of Prosthodontists, among others associations. He is an expert in the complex area of prosthodontics, having earned a Masters of Biomedical Science in Prosthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center along with his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Here, he tells us the difference between a prosthodontist and a cosmetic dentist.
Many people don’t realize this, but cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized dental specialty. So if a person wants to have his cosmetic dental work done by someone who has been trained in that area, then he would certainly be coming to a prosthodontist to get that cosmetic treatment.
Rather than being a specialty, cosmetic dentistry is just something that some dentists choose to do. So some general dentists say that they do cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening or veneers. Now, some of these general dentists do it, and some do it well, but that still does not mean they were specifically trained to handle these types of specialized techniques like prosthodontists are.
During our three years of additional training after dental school, prosthodontists are trained in all facets of dentistry. So that includes not only cosmetic dentistry, but also how to fit that cosmetic dentistry into a good bite. We can give patients a better-looking smile, and also fit that into something that can give them function along with looking good. It does not have to be just one or the other.
Prosthodontists do everything including full mouth rehabs — which consists of restoring the mouth of someone who may have damaged all his teeth and need them all repaired — in the general dentistry arena. We can also help people who may have ground their teeth down over time. So with modern techniques, a prosthodontist can build all those teeth back up. While a general dentist who does cosmetic work might be able to restore the look of the bite, prosthodontists will be able to restore both the beauty and the function of the bite with his or her treatment.
If someone comes in and wants a brighter, whiter smile, then we can help him. If someone comes in and wants straighter teeth, we can help him too. With veneers and crowns — cosmetic dentistry staples — we can correct a variety of problems that people come in with.
And finally, if a person is missing a tooth, then we can use a dental implant to fix that right up for them and give them the smile they have always wanted.
People want a beautiful smile, and they want a Hollywood smile. And when someone decides that he is ready to take the next step to achieving that Hollywood smile he has always dreamed about, then calling a prosthodontist and scheduling an appointment is usually the right plan of attack.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
