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Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry

New York City, Queens, Manhattan

If you're considering cosmetic dentistry, why not visit your regular family dentist and ask for the procedures you'd like to have? Well, every dental school graduate is a general dentist, and many advertise their skill in cosmetic dentistry. But there's quite a difference between general dentists and cosmetic dentists. Dr. Michael Iott in his Manhattan, NY office, particularly offers cosmetic dentistry and advanced computer dentistry. He has done a great deal of teaching and research beyond basic dental school, has written journal articles on computer esthetics, and been interviewed on television.

Cosmetic dentistry is not recognized as a dental specialty, so any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist, and many do so in good faith. They believe the procedures they have learned in dental school qualify them to make this claim. But true cosmetic dentistry skill comes from years of post-graduate training, that requires commitment, money, energy, and time that most general dentists simply have not invested in.

This is the kind of skill, expertise and training you'll find with Dr. Iott, who has been serving New York City patients from his midtown Manhattan offices at 471 Third Street for over 27 years. Dr. Iott is a clinical adjunct professor at the NYU Advanced Program for International Dentists whose office has been featured in Health Magazine, American Express Departures Magazine, The New York Times, The Irish Times (Dublin), and Tennis Magazine as well as segments on Discovery Channel's Medical Breakthroughs!, NBC with Tom Brokaw and ABC with Peter Jennings.

General Dentists v. Cosmetic Dentists: They Think Differently

General dentists tend to have lower expectations about the overall esthetics of their work, focusing mainly on dental health. Cosmetic dentists are as passionate about the final appearance as they are about the health of your mouth, and work hard to give you your desired results from the standpoint of health and long-lasting beauty.
General dentists approach patient concerns from an understanding of procedures and their risks. They are not trained to understand your concerns about cosmetic aspects of your appearance. Therefore, a general dentist may examine your mouth and, upon seeing no cavities or other oral health concerns, may announce your teeth are fine.
Cosmetic dentists are trained to understand that, while oral health is key, the appearance of your mouth and teeth is equally important in the way you feel about yourself and the way you move through life. While the general dentist is simply being honest based on his or her dental school training, for many people this is no longer enough.

If you need your toilet fixed, you call a plumber. If you need a new home built, you call an architect. The point is that general dentists are trained to fix functional aspects of the mouth and teeth, whereas cosmetic dentists are trained to create function and beauty. Each relies upon different skills and a different mindset to achieve the results they seek, but for the cosmetic dentist, the patient's wishes for enhanced beauty are as important as the overall function and oral health.

Dr. Iott's Office is Committed to Continuing Dental Education
Cosmetic dentists dedicate themselves to intense education beyond dental school. While this education isn't necessarily required, cosmetic dentists are passionate about creating beautiful smiles. To do so, they must learn a great deal. All of Dr. Iott's staff members spend 2 to 3 weeks yearly in advanced dental classes all over the United States, South America and Europe. This includes all of our doctors as well as all auxiliary staff!

Training in materials
Cosmetic dentists work with materials that have different properties from those generally learned about in dental school.

Using white dental composite for fillings, rather than metal amalgam
Learning to plan successful porcelain inlays and onlays
Understanding the chemistry behind porcelain/enamel and bonding/enamel
Mastering the subtleties of color, texture, strength, translucency and polish

For the cosmetic dentist, ongoing education and hands-on training go together. Using tooth color as an example of why this is important, there are multiple colors and depths of color in just one tooth; some on the surface and some below. Reflective properties of the enamel and the tooth's texture all have an impact on the tooth's shine. The contour of the tooth can affect the color, as can translucency and opacity. Every one of these areas is complex and requires a deep understanding on the part of the cosmetic dentist that is not taught in general dental school.

Training in mental approach
There is a difference in the basic art of communication. The cosmetic dentist applies his training, experience, skill, artistic talent and scientific knowledge to your perceptions and desires. Where the general dentist diagnoses structural problems like cavities, cracks, and infections, the cosmetic dentist also diagnoses your self esteem and how it's related to your dental status. Dissatisfied patients seek dentists who can bring about the greatest satisfaction through solving dental problems both structurally and cosmetically.

Considering your entire facial structure and coloring when designing a smile makeover
Understanding and mastering the artistic aspect of dentistry as well as the scientific aspects

Training in technology
Dentistry has changed out of sight since our grandparents' days. Computers have caused much of the change, and lasers even more of it. Post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry includes hands-on training in the use of lots of new technology, and Dr. Iott has invested in a lot of sophisticated new tools:

Air Abrasion instead of old-fashioned drilling
Digital radiology to vastly reduce your exposure to radiation
A laser diode to detect cavities that are still so small that only a sealant is needed, or even just some close watching, rather than a filling
Digital morphing, to illustrate in advance on the computer what your new smile will look like
Digital cameras with two computer monitors, so you can see your teeth close-up as Dr. Iott can, and you can both discuss options
A carbon dioxide laser to recontour gum tissue with no pain, bleeding, or stitches

Understanding and learning to use new technology requires more than a weekend of extra training here and there.

How Can Dr. Iott Help Me?
So how can you tell if the dentist you're considering has received the proper training to claim he or she is a fully qualified cosmetic dentist? Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Michael Iott and he'll be happy to share with you his years of training and experience.

We welcome your questions regarding our procedures, and encourage you to take a moment right now to contact us to arrange for a free consultation. Our goal is to provide exceptional treatment in a comfortable and relaxed setting. Our carefully selected group of talented staff members provides the care you expect and deserve, ensuring the desired outcome with minimum disruption to your daily life. Call us toll free at (866) 801-4559 or email us to set up your personal consultation.