Cosmetic Dentistry Versus General Dentistry

DIfference Between General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Do you have a dental issue such as a loose, chipped or broken tooth? Maybe you’d like to get some veneers to improve the appearance of your smile. Or, perhaps you need a checkup to see if you have any cavities. Regardless of the issue, you want to visit the right dental professional who can help you get the results you want. General and cosmetic are just two types of dentists. Do you know the difference between the two? When it comes to cosmetic dentistry vs general dentistry there are many differences to consider so you can visit the right professional for the work you need done. Discover some information about each type of dentist and what they do.

What is a Cosmetic Dentist?

A cosmetic dentist is interested in helping patients improve the look of their smile. This professional takes additional courses focused on cosmetic dentistry guide to learn how to perform specific procedures that help patients enjoy a healthier, more attractive smile.

Examples of Procedures Done by a Cosmetic Dentist

Dental Implants

A dental implant is put in by a cosmetic dentist when a patient loses a tooth. The implant is connected to the jawbone, so it replaces the root of a lost tooth. A crown is connected to the implant to replace the tooth that is missing. Technology has improved so much in the last few years that a crown can blend in with the rest of a person’s teeth making their smile look much more attractive.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a procedure that goes a long way to improving a patient’s smile. It can fix discoloration, cracked or broken teeth as well as misshapen teeth. It can even fix gaps between teeth. Bonding involves using filling material to fix a tooth, shape it and make it blend in with your other teeth. You can even have the newly repaired tooth colored to match the rest of your teeth.

Read More: How much does dental bonding cost?

Teeth Whitening

A cosmetic dentist is trained in teeth whitening procedures. Some cosmetic dentists perform teeth bleaching to cover discoloration and stains that can happen over time. ZOOM! Teeth Whitening is an example of a long-lasting procedure that greatly improves the look of a patient’s smile. Zoom! is a popular option because the whitening only
takes about one hour in a cosmetic dentist’s office.

Veneers

A cosmetic dentist can put veneers on your existing teeth in order to achieve a more balanced, healthier smile. Porcelain veneers are popular because they look like natural teeth. Many patients choose them to hide stains and discoloration. They are made of durable material and last a long time.

Braces

A cosmetic dentist can put braces on a patient to correct a variety of situations involving misaligned teeth. Invisalign is a popular option allowing a patient to straighten their teeth without anyone being able to see the braces. Plus, the patient can remove the Invisalign for short periods of time as opposed to traditional metal braces. People of all ages are opting for Invisalign as a simple, low-maintenance way of straightening their teeth.

What is a General Dentist?

A general dentist is primarily concerned with the health of your teeth. Also, a general dentist educates young and older patients on the proper care of their teeth and gums to encourage long-lasting dental health.

Examples of Procedures Done by a General Dentist

Regular Checkups

A general dentist performs yearly checkups on patients looking for abnormalities, gum issues, cavities, etc.

Cleaning

Going to a general dentist usually involves a teeth cleaning. A dental assistant scrapes a patient’s teeth, removes plaque and cleans the gums. A dentist examines a patient’s teeth after the cleaning so he or she can clearly see the condition of every tooth. In addition, a general dentist looks at x-rays of the patient’s teeth to get a detailed look at the health of their teeth.

Filling Cavities

A general dentist fills cavities for patients. Filling a cavity is more for a patient’s dental health than for the appearance of their smile. This procedure is usually done in a general dentist’s office.

Root Canals

A dentist who is trained to address the interior health of teeth can perform a root canal. This procedure involves removing diseased tissue from the inside of a patient’s tooth. After removing the tissue, the area is cleaned, then sealed so the problem doesn’t occur again.

Tips on How to Choose the Right Cosmetic or General Dentist

Ask About Specific Procedures

When looking at cosmetic dentistry vs general dentistry, it’s a good idea to checkout the specific procedures offered by a dentist. The procedures offered, especially by cosmetic dentists, can differ from professional to professional. Checkout the dentist’s website or call the professional’s office and ask.

Do You Feel Comfortable with the Dental Professional?

Once you determine whether you need a cosmetic dentist or a general dentist, it’s important that you feel at ease with the professional. Are you having procedures explained to you in a thorough way? Do you feel welcome when visiting the office? The way you feel about a dental professional can determine how relaxed you are when you go in for a procedure.

Do You Have Answers to All of Your Questions?

One effective way you can determine you are going to the right dental professional is whether you get all of your questions answered. Qualified individuals in both general and cosmetic dentistry will take the time to answer all of the questions you have about procedures, aftercare and more.

Read our blog post specifically to answer how to choose a good cosmetic dentist.

When evaluating cosmetic dentistry vs general dentistry, first look at the procedures performed by each provider. Then, make an appointment to talk to the dentist about your unique situation, your expectations and what the provider can do to help.