Your smile is a reflection of your unique personality and should be used regularly. Are you too embarrassed or self-conscious to smile because you have stained or misaligned teeth? Whether your teeth need whitening or orthodontic procedures, cosmetic dentistry services can be tailored to address any of your concerns.
While general dentistry primarily addresses preventative and restorative dental care, cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing your smile and boosting your self-confidence; let’s delve deeper into the differences between the two fields of dentistry and find out which cosmetic dental services will enhance your unique smile.
The Difference Between Cosmetic And General Dentistry
Both cosmetic and general dentistry serve vital purposes within the field of oral healthcare. For individuals seeking a dental service, understanding the differences between the two is essential.
General Dentistry
General dentistry falls under the category of primary dental care. Primary dental care includes the following:
- Preventative care
- Restorative procedures
- Maintenance of oral health and dental cleaning
Preventative Care
General dentistry focuses primarily on preventative care and should ideally be scheduled every six months (or more often if required). To maintain good oral health preventative dental care may include:
- Medical History Review – The dentist will review your medical history including changes in medication.
- X-rays – taken to obtain a comprehensive view of all oral structures, including issues not visible like bone loss, impacted teeth, or cavities.
- General examination – the dentist will visibly examine your teeth for signs of decay or damage and assess any existing dental work like crowns and fillings.
- Gum health assessment – a critical aspect of overall dental health, the gums are examined for signs of inflammation, periodontal disease, and bleeding.
- Cleaning – Removal of plaque and tartar from teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas
- Oral cancer screening – examination of the tongue, cheeks, and throat to detect any abnormal/suspicious lesions
Restorative Procedures
General dentistry includes a range of restorative procedures, all aimed at treating existing dental issues. These procedures include, but are not limited to:
- Dental fillings for cavities
- Root canal treatments to address infections
- Dental extractions for severely damaged teeth.
Maintenance Of Oral Health And Dental Cleaning
Guidance is provided on good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, as well as dietary recommendations for healthy teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is primarily concerned with the aesthetic enhancement of the teeth and your smile. Cosmetic dentistry services may include:
- Orthodontic solutions
- Tooth reshaping or whitening
- Dental implants
Orthodontic Solutions
Orthodontic procedures enhance the aesthetic appearance of a smile by correcting misalignments and irregularities in the position of teeth. This is usually achieved with braces or clear aligners.
Tooth Reshaping Or Whitening
By modifying the length, shape, or surface of the teeth, cosmetic dentistry contours the shape of teeth and creates a more balanced and symmetrical smile. Stained teeth can also be bleached and brightened.
Dental Implants
A common cosmetic dentistry option for replacing missing teeth, dental implants restore functionality and contribute to a natural-looking smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services
One of the main reasons that people choose to have cosmetic dental work is to improve the appearance of their smile. Cosmetic dental services are not solely for appearance, though, they also play a vital role in oral functionality. By enhancing dental strength and tooth durability, biting and chewing capabilities are improved. Cosmetic dentistry achieves all these goals by:
- Brightening dull or stained teeth
- Correcting tooth malformations/dental flaws
- Repairing cracked or chipped teeth
- Aligning misaligned teeth
- Reducing tooth gaps/spaces
- Reshaping the gum line.
- Reversing aging effects of natural wear and tear.
Cosmetic dentistry services offer a variety of procedures that correct tooth malformations and address dental flaws. These procedures include:
- Whitening/Bleaching
- Dental veneers
- Dental bonding
- Tooth contouring and reshaping
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
- Orthodontic treatments
- Gum Contouring
Whitening/Bleaching
Regularly consuming dark-colored food or drink could leave teeth dull or stained. Cosmetic dentistry improves the appearance of dull or stained teeth by whitening or bleaching.
Whitening/Bleaching is a popular and effective cosmetic dentistry procedure that removes dental stains and discoloration. The dentist uses a bleaching agent containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down stains and whiten tooth enamel. This treatment is usually performed in the dentist’s office.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, strong shells made of composite resin or porcelain. These shells are designed to adhere to the front of the tooth and effectively conceal chips, cracks, and dental discoloration. Dental veneers provide a natural-looking and durable enhancement that effectively corrects dental defects and discoloration.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a tooth-colored composite resin that is attached to the body of the tooth. Dental bonding is usually applied to cover and conceal dental cracks and chips but is also used to fill gaps or correct tooth irregularities.
Tooth Contouring Or Reshaping
Also referred to as enameloplasty or reshaping, tooth contouring involves the removal of a small amount of enamel to alter the shape, length, or surface of the tooth. This procedure, used to correct minor imperfections, is limited by the amount of enamel that can be removed.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns/caps can be used to cover a severely damaged tooth or misshapen tooth. Used to restore the appearance and function of the tooth, dental crowns are made to match both the color and shape of the surrounding teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial roots that are implanted into the jawbone. These serve to provide a stable foundation for a dental crown or bridge. Dental implants are used as a permanent solution to missing teeth.
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments may involve braces or clear aligners. Orthodontic treatments are used to correct misalignments and bite issues but are also used for cosmetic purposes, as they assist in straightening crooked teeth and enhancing the smile.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is a safe and effective procedure that can make a significant difference to a smile. Also known as gum reshaping or gingival sculpting, gum contouring involves removing excess gum tissue and resculpting the gum line. This procedure is very effective for people with excessive gum tissue (a gummy smile), an uneven gum line, and/or recessed gums.
Eriks Dental Group Can Help You Start The New Year With A New Smile
Committed to dental excellence, the compassionate team at Eriks Dental Group offers a complete dental service with a 5-star experience. With all your dental needs met in one place, you can see in the new year with healthy teeth and a bright new smile.
To request a cosmetic dentistry services appointment call us at 561-733-4004 today.