Understanding the Difference—and Which Is Right for You
When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, two types of dental care often come up: general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. While both play an important role in oral health, their focus and purpose are quite different.
At Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry, we offer comprehensive care that includes both general and cosmetic dental services—ensuring every patient has access to personalized treatment, whether they’re looking to protect their health or perfect their smile.
What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is your first line of defense against dental disease. General dentists focus primarily on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common oral health issues. Their mission is to keep your teeth, gums, and jaw healthy—before problems develop.
Some of the key services offered in general dentistry include:
Routine dental exams
Professional teeth cleanings
Fillings for cavities
Gum disease treatment
Fluoride treatments and sealants
Oral cancer screenings
Nightguards and mouthguards
In essence, general dentists are your long-term oral health partners—monitoring changes in your mouth, addressing issues early, and helping you avoid more serious (and expensive) procedures down the road.
Who Do General Dentists Treat?
General dentists serve patients of all ages, which is why they’re often referred to as family dentists. At Smile LA, our general dentists provide gentle, thorough care to:
Children
Teens
Adults
Seniors
We make it easy for families to receive the care they need under one roof, with trusted professionals who understand how oral health changes throughout life.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
While general dentistry is focused on function and health, cosmetic dentistry is all about aesthetics. Cosmetic dentists aim to improve the appearance of your smile—addressing issues like discoloration, chips, gaps, or misalignment.
Common cosmetic treatments at Smile LA include:
Teeth whitening (Zoom & Laser options)
Porcelain veneers
Dental bonding
Invisalign clear aligners
Smile makeovers
Though cosmetic procedures are elective, many also provide functional benefits, such as reinforcing enamel or correcting bite problems.
When Should You See a General Dentist vs. Cosmetic Dentist?
Visit a general dentist if you need:
Preventive care (exams, cleanings, x-rays)
Diagnosis or treatment for pain or disease
Fillings, extractions, or crowns due to decay
Gum disease care or emergency dentistry
Visit a cosmetic dentist if you want to:
Brighten your smile
Fix chips, cracks, or gaps
Straighten your teeth discreetly
Achieve a complete smile makeover
At Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry, many of our providers are experienced in both general and cosmetic procedures, so you can get comprehensive, customized care in one place—without the runaround.
How Are General Dentists Qualified?
General dentists hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Despite the different titles, the training is identical—requiring rigorous education and licensing.
Our dentists at Smile LA come from respected institutions and bring decades of experience treating patients across Downtown Los Angeles. Whether you’re here for a basic check-up or considering cosmetic improvements, you can trust you’re in skilled hands.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Choose—Combine Both!
The best smiles start with healthy teeth and gums. General dentistry lays the foundation, and cosmetic dentistry builds on it to create a confident, beautiful result.
📞 Call (213) 336-8478 to schedule your next appointment
📍 Located conveniently in Downtown Los Angeles
🦷 Book online today and discover the difference of complete dental care under one roof
