The Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist
A general dentist focuses on overall oral health and disease prevention, while a cosmetic dentist specializes in improving the appearance of your smile. Both can perform routine dental work, but cosmetic dentists offer additional services like teeth whitening, veneers and smile makeovers.
Total Care Dental (TCD) in Madison offers comprehensive oral healthcare and cosmetic dental services. Here at TCD, we believe in fully educating our clients about restorative and preventative care and how each service can help you get the smile you deserve.
What does a General Dentist do?

Non-cosmetic dentists, also known as general dentists, specialize in oral healthcare and preventative care. These include teeth cleaning, filling cavities, root canals, oral cancer screening and restorative services. Non-cosmetic dentistry includes checkups or visits for dental problems, like toothaches.
What does a Cosmetic Dentist do?
Cosmetic dentists dedicate their careers to improving the aesthetics and health of your teeth, making you proud to smile. Cosmetic dentists correct any imperfections you may be experiencing in your teeth or gums. Cosmetic dental procedures performed by TCD dentists include porcelain veneers, aesthetic teeth contouring, Invisalign braces and teeth whitening services.
Our dentists utilize skills acquired from extensive schooling and years of experience, creating a flawless smile you can’t wait to show off. Though cosmetic dentistry is not considered a specialty by the American Dental Association, it is important to choose the right dental provider.
Best Candidates for Cosmetic Dentistry
Not sure if you could benefit from cosmetic dentistry? Some of the imperfections cosmetic dentistry can correct are chipped and cracked teeth, uneven teeth lengths, gaps in between teeth, misshapen teeth, misaligned teeth and more. Additionally, the downtime from a cosmetic dentistry treatment is generally low to none making this an easy option for everyone.
Cosmetic dentistry allows you to get the smile you want in a minimally invasive way. Be sure to reach out to our team of highly experienced cosmetic dentists to receive a consultation on what treatment is best for your smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services
Cosmetic dentists, like those at Total Care Dental in Madison, WI, provide specialty services, including:
- Porcelain Veneers
- Create a straight, white smile faster than braces or whitening.
- Lab-crafted using impressions for a custom fit.
- Permanently bonded to the front of teeth.
- Ideal for gaps, discoloration, and chipping.
- Consultation required to assess oral health before treatment.
- Bonded Veneers
- Affordable alternative to braces for a straighter smile.
- Uses tooth-colored composite resin shaped and hardened over damaged teeth.
- Recommended for minor tooth repairs.
- Looks smooth and natural.
- Costs less than porcelain and lasts 5–10 years.
- Invisalign Braces
- Clear aligners that are nearly invisible when worn.
- Less time and cost than traditional metal braces.
- Made from medical-grade plastic and designed for comfort.
- Corrects spacing and bite issues in kids, teens, and adults.
- Teeth Whitening
- Removes stains and whitens teeth by up to 8 shades.
- Fast, non-invasive, and cost-effective cosmetic solution.
- Popular for its quick, visible impact on smiles.
- Uses advanced bleaching solution for results in under two hours.
Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
The cost of cosmetic dentistry procedures varies based on the treatment and length of the procedure. Cosmetic dentistry is generally not covered by general dental insurance as it is seen as not essential from a health standpoint. However, we want to make your dream smile as affordable and achievable as possible. We offer many financing options to ensure you receive the treatments you deserve. Reach out to our team for additional financing help and information.
Refer Our Madison Cosmetic Dentists
Many non-cosmetic dentists refer their patients to Total Dental Care when they do not have the expertise to perform the procedures themselves. Our Madison cosmetic dentists are very experienced in providing aesthetic contouring, veneers, whitening services and more. We are very personable and walk you through each procedure, and don’t add on extra treatment without your consent.
As this branch of dentistry is growing in popularity, contact our Madison cosmetic dentists for more information on the difference between a dentist and a cosmetic dentist.
Contact our Madison cosmetic dentists for more information on the difference between a dentist and a cosmetic dentist.