It’s understandable that many people are confused about the differences between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. They are similar in many ways. While there are some key differences between the two, it can be difficult to distinguish between them as many of their services also overlap.
The primary difference between the two is that cosmetic dentists specialize in cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening or veneers. In contrast, a general dentist is more concerned with a patient’s dental health.
It is always useful to know the distinctions between the two when deciding what dental work you need to get the most satisfying treatment.
Here are some key differences between them and a few of their commonalities.
The Difference Between Dental Care and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental care is all about keeping your teeth and gums healthy. To prevent or treat tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections, dentists work with teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. Many dental offices also provide restorative treatment for the teeth and jawbone that make up a person’s smile.
What’s more, general dentists make it a point to educate their patients about the benefits of brushing teeth, flossing between teeth, eating a low-sugar diet, and getting regular checkups. These oral health routines can have a significant impact on health and well-being.
For instance:
* Most people take brushing their teeth for granted, but it reduces their risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and heart disease.
* Flossing keeps teeth clean and prevents tooth decay. Other less well-known benefits include preventing gum disease, reducing or eliminating halitosis, protecting against mouth infections, and reducing serious problems like mouth cancer.
* Keeping a nutritious diet is not only crucial for a healthy lifestyle, but it also promotes positive oral health.
* Regular dental check-ups can protect a patient from serious oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, scheduled visits at least twice a year can help detect problems before they harm teeth and gums.
In contrast, cosmetic dentistry makes teeth look better. Cosmetic dentistry offers plenty of aesthetic options like veneers, crowns, bridges, and whitening. However, one common misconception about cosmetic dentistry is that it’s just about improving a person’s smile. This is completely erroneous. Cosmetic dentists can also improve oral health by preventing cavities and gum disease.
The Similarities between Dental Care and Cosmetic Dentistry
While it is possible to differentiate between general dental care and cosmetic dentistry, this is not always accurate.
It’s true that dental care is the process of maintaining oral health and preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems. It is also true that cosmetic dentistry is about improving your appearance by making your teeth whiter or straighter. However, the lines also blur since they share many similarities.
For instance, both general dentists and cosmetic dentists are qualified to address your oral health concerns, providing you with a variety of services such as cleaning and fillings.
They are also both qualified to help keep teeth healthy and well maintained, offering dental treatments to fix cracked teeth, fill cavities, add bridges, take care of crowns, and place composite or dental veneers to protect teeth.
Additionally, they are both qualified to perform a thorough examination of your mouth based on your medical history, characteristics of your teeth and gums, and examine for signs of periodontal disease, cavities, gum disease, tooth decay or other oral health problems.
In essence, cosmetic dentists receive the same basic dental training as their general dentistry counterparts. However, they also receive additional training focused on more complex cosmetic procedures. They are trained in specialized techniques that improve the appearance of a person’s smile. They can do this in several ways, including teeth whitening, dental implants, and gum treatment.
Do You Need Dental Care or Cosmetic Dentistry?
Since both types of dentistry perform similar tasks, it can be difficult to decide which one to see when you need dental work. Both can probably help you.
Choosing the right type of dentist is as simple as deciding whether your dental health or appearance are more relevant to you.
If you’re interested in whiter teeth, for example, you might want to see a cosmetic dentist about teeth whitening. While a general dentist could do the work, cosmetic dentistry uses many techniques to deal with discolored or stained teeth. You will probably undergo a more comprehensive procedure to improve any obvious defects to your teeth at a cosmetic dental office.
However, you should visit a general dentist if you are more concerned about your oral health, perhaps because you want to fix broken teeth, missing teeth, or need an extraction. A regular dentist will take x-rays before any procedure to detect cavities and other issues to improve the quality of your care. These exams can help diagnose any dental issue, including oral herpes, mouth cancer, and swollen gums.
How to Find the Best Dentist for You
There are probably hundreds of dentists in your city, but how do you choose the right one for you?
The first thing you need to do is find a dentist who accepts your insurance. Next, talk to your family, friends, and work colleagues to get recommendations. Then, use online reviews to find out what others have to say about their experiences with a recommended dentist. Finally, visit the office and see if you’re comfortable there.
A Quicker Way to Get a Dental Appointment Today
Finding a dentist is now more convenient than ever thanks to the Internet. Dental directories like denTel have made it easier to locate a dentist. There is a wealth of information about different dentistry practices available in your area, so you can find your local cosmetic dentist or dental care practice. Using an online scheduling service also makes it easier to schedule an appointment with a dentist. Calling or visiting a dentist to set up an appointment is not always a clever idea because if the number of people seeking dental care is high, your wait time could be long.
