Cosmetic Dentist in Sacramento: How It Differs From a General Dentist

If you’re searching for a cosmetic dentist in Sacramento, you’re probably looking to improve the appearance of your smile—whiter teeth, smoother edges, straighter alignment, or a more balanced look. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on smile aesthetics without compromising oral health, while general dentistry focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and restoring function.

At Global Smiles Sacramento, we help patients choose the right approach—whether you want a subtle upgrade (like whitening or bonding) or a full smile makeover plan. Our team conducts a comprehensive smile analysis and can recommend a single procedure or a combination of treatments tailored to your goals.

Cosmetic Dentist vs. General Dentist: What’s the Difference?

Both cosmetic and general dentists care about healthy teeth and gums—but the primary goal is different.

When Should You See a Cosmetic Dentist Instead of a General Dentist?

You may consider a cosmetic dentist when your primary objective is enhancing smile aesthetics—such as tooth shade, shape, symmetry, or the appearance of alignment—while maintaining a healthy oral foundation.

You may begin with a general dentist in Sacramento when the focus is on preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health concerns, including routine exams, decay, gum conditions, or dental discomfort.

What Does a General Dentist Usually Treat?

• General dentistry supports long-term oral health through routine exams and cleanings.
• It focuses on diagnosing problems and treating concerns such as decay or infection.
• It helps manage gum health and address inflammation before it progresses.
• It restores function with treatments such as fillings or crowns when clinically appropriate.

What Does a Cosmetic Dentist in Sacramento Typically Improve?

• Cosmetic dentistry brightens tooth color with options such as professional whitening.
• It improves shape and symmetry using treatments like bonding or veneers.
• It closes small gaps and refines tooth edges for a more balanced smile.
• It enhances the appearance of alignment with clear aligners in appropriate cases.
• It coordinates multi-step improvements through a personalized smile makeover plan.

If you’re experiencing discomfort, bleeding gums, or suspected decay, it’s best to address health first. Once teeth and gums are stable, cosmetic treatments are typically more predictable and longer-lasting.

What Services Fall Under General vs. Cosmetic Dentistry?

While both types of care support a healthy smile, a dental office in Sacramento typically provides general dentistry focused on prevention and treatment, along with cosmetic dentistry focused on improving appearance—often after establishing a healthy foundation.

What Services Does a General Dentist in Sacramento Typically Provide?

• Routine Dental Exams: Comprehensive checkups to evaluate teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health, and to identify issues early.
• Professional Cleanings: Removal of plaque and tartar to support gum health, reduce inflammation risk, and help prevent cavities.
• Digital X-rays: Diagnostic imaging to detect concerns not visible during an exam, such as decay between teeth, infections, and bone changes.
• Gum Disease Treatment: Assessment of gum health (including periodontal measurements) and care planning to manage gingivitis or periodontal disease and support long-term stability.
• Dental Crowns: Custom restorations that protect and strengthen compromised teeth (such as teeth with large fillings, cracks, or after root canal therapy) while restoring function and appearance.
• Tooth Extractions: Safe removal of teeth that cannot be saved due to severe decay, damage, or infection, with guidance on replacement options when appropriate.

What Services Can You Expect From a Cosmetic Dentist?

• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening in Sacramento is designed to lift stains and brighten tooth shade safely, with recommendations based on your enamel condition and sensitivity risk.
• Clear Braces: Discreet orthodontic aligners that gradually improve the appearance of alignment and spacing, with a customized treatment plan and progress monitoring throughout.
• Dental Bonding: Tooth-colored composite used to repair minor chips, close small gaps, and refine tooth shape and symmetry, often completed in a single visit, depending on the case.
• Porcelain Veneers: Custom-crafted porcelain coverings placed on the front of teeth to improve color, shape, and overall balance, often used when whitening or bonding won’t achieve the desired result.

Ready to Explore a Personalized Plan for Your Smile Goals?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lilliana Stojic, DDS, MAGD, to discuss what you’d like to improve, review your oral health, and understand which options make the most sense for your goals—whether that’s preventive care, cosmetic enhancement, or a combination of both. During your visit, we’ll walk you through the most conservative recommendations first, explain expected outcomes and timelines, and outline a clear path forward so you can make an informed decision.

To get started, call 916-487-5147 or visit 1801 Professional Drive, Sacramento, CA 95825 to book your appointment.