Four categories with different primary purposes.
| Category | Primary purpose | Typical starting concern |
|---|---|---|
| General dentistry | Prevention, diagnosis and routine treatment | Examinations, cleanings, discomfort, fillings or continuing care |
| Cosmetic dentistry | Appearance-focused treatment | Tooth colour, shape, proportion or visible smile concerns |
| Implant dentistry | Replacement of missing teeth | One or more missing teeth and evaluation of implant-supported options |
| Orthodontics | Tooth alignment and bite correction | Crowding, spacing, tooth position or bite relationships |
The usual starting point for oral-health concerns.
General dentistry covers ongoing assessment, preventive care, diagnosis and routine restorative treatment. A general dentist is commonly the first professional consulted for examinations, cleanings, tooth discomfort, fillings, gum concerns and continuing care.
General dentists may also provide selected cosmetic, implant or orthodontic services. When a case requires specialized assessment or treatment, they may coordinate care with an appropriate dental specialist.
View General Dentistry in Downtown VancouverWhen the principal concern is visible appearance.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses primarily on the appearance of teeth and smiles. Treatment may include whitening, bonding, veneers or other procedures intended to change colour, shape, proportion or visible spacing.
Cosmetic goals should be evaluated alongside oral health, tooth structure, bite and long-term maintenance. A clinical consultation is required to determine which options are appropriate.
View Cosmetic Dentistry in Downtown VancouverWhen one or more teeth are missing.
Dental implants replace missing tooth roots and support replacement teeth. Assessment may involve gum health, available jawbone, neighbouring structures, medical history and the design of the final restoration.
Implant care can involve several stages and, depending on the case, more than one dental professional. Examination and appropriate diagnostic imaging are required before a provider can recommend an implant-based treatment plan.
View Implant Dentistry in Downtown VancouverWhen tooth position or bite is the main concern.
Orthodontics addresses the alignment of teeth and jaws. Treatment may involve braces, clear aligners or other appliances used to move teeth gradually and address crowding, spacing or bite relationships.
Some general dentists provide orthodontic treatment, while orthodontists are dentists with recognized specialty education in orthodontics. The complexity of the case helps determine the appropriate provider.
View Orthodontics in Downtown VancouverWhere should you begin?
- General dentistry: routine care, diagnosis, discomfort or uncertainty about what treatment is needed.
- Cosmetic dentistry: the principal concern is the visible appearance of maintainable teeth.
- Implant dentistry: teeth are missing and implant-supported replacement is being considered.
- Orthodontics: crowding, spacing, tooth position or bite alignment is the main concern.
These categories are not mutually exclusive. A treatment plan may combine general, cosmetic, implant and orthodontic care where oral health, alignment and appearance affect the final result.
Location can matter when care requires repeated appointments.
Some dental treatment involves several visits over weeks or months. For people who live or work downtown, office location, transit access and appointment scheduling may be practical considerations when selecting a provider.
Confirm current registration in British Columbia.
Oral health professionals must be licensed with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals to practise in British Columbia. The College’s public registry can be used to verify current licence status and available regulatory information.
Search the BCCOHP Public RegistryDental categories, clearly distinguished.
Can a general dentist provide cosmetic or implant treatment?
Many general dentists provide selected cosmetic and implant services. The appropriate provider depends on the procedure, the dentist’s training and experience, and the complexity of the case.
Is an orthodontist different from a general dentist?
Yes. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed recognized specialty education in orthodontics. General dentists may also provide certain orthodontic treatments within their competence.
Should missing teeth first be assessed by a general dentist?
A general dentist can commonly provide an initial assessment and discuss replacement options. Implant planning may also involve a dentist or specialist with relevant training and experience.
Can cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics address the same concern?
Sometimes. Visible spacing, tooth position or proportions may have cosmetic and orthodontic approaches. The appropriate pathway depends on oral health, bite, tooth structure and the intended result.
This guide provides general service information and is not a diagnosis or substitute for advice from a licensed dental professional.
Primary references: Canadian Dental Association and the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals.