Many think of all dentists as being the same. But, there are different types of dentists, including a general and cosmetic dentist.
By understanding the difference between a general and cosmetic dentist, you can better determine which one you should visit for your oral care needs.
Although they both deal with periodontal and teeth concerns, there is a difference between a general and cosmetic dentist that should be understood before deciding which dentist and form of treatment is right for you.
The following is everything you need to know about the differences between a general and cosmetic dentist. This includes how to choose between the two.
A general dentist - which many refer to as their primary care dentist - is known for treating a wide range of oral care issues, including the following:
Essentially, anything pertaining to the overall health of the mouth is treated by a general dentist. A general dentist can diagnose current and potential oral health concerns. These concerns include tooth infections, impacted wisdom teeth and enamel erosion that can lead to cavities.
A general dentist can also provide restorative care and tooth replacement to those who suffer from missing or severely damaged teeth. The most common methods of restorative care include dental veneers, implants, bridges and dentures.
The main way a general dentist is different than a cosmetic dentist is that a general dentist is less concerned with appearance. Instead, they are more concerned with the overall oral health of the patient.
A cosmetic dentist is a dentist that is more concerned with the appearance of one’s smile, rather than solely to treat the oral health of the patient.
The main treatment procedures provided by a cosmetic dentist include:
While a cosmetic dentist often helps patients improve their oral health, that is not their main motivation. Instead, they are there to help individuals with an otherwise healthy mouth improve the appearance of their smile.
In many cases, a cosmetic dentist can provide general dentistry procedures. And at the same time helping patients achieve a better smile.
Whether you visit a general or cosmetic dentist depends largely on your exact needs and overall oral health.
If you are for the most part happy with the appearance of your smile, but you suffer from toothaches, eroded enamel or any other oral health concern, a general dentist may be best.
However, anyone who is in overall good health with little to no oral health concerns and wants to improve their smile may benefit more from a cosmetic dentist than a general dentist. A cosmetic dentist can perform various procedures to provide patients with whiter teeth and more. They can even treat smile without any gaps or oddly shaped teeth.
Cosmetic dentists are often the best option for individuals with missing teeth as well. A cosmetic dentist can help patients with missing teeth gain beautiful, artificial teeth replacements, such as dental implants and dentures.
Are you considering a cosmetic dentist in the Coral Gables area? Get more cosmetic dentist information at https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com.
Fluoride is a preventative measure that your general dentist uses to help protect your teeth between visits. It is also an ingredient in toothpaste that can give added protection. One of the most hotly debated topics surrounding toothpaste and tooth brushing is whether or not you should be using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Using toothpaste with…
Good oral care is critical for overall well-being, and adults who routinely visit a general dentist are less likely to have problems with their teeth and health. Visiting a dentist twice per year can help detect and remediate the following conditions: CavitiesGum diseaseOral cancerTooth misalignmentSystemic diseaseMany people put off visiting a dentist due to fear…
There is no need to fear if your general dentist has recommended root canal treatment. This dental procedure is performed on millions of patients every year and is similar to a routine filling. It is a beneficial procedure that saves a tooth that has become infected or damaged. Many patients wonder if the tooth is…
Patients may be alarmed if a general dentist mentions that a tooth extraction may be needed during a routine appointment. A dentist’s primary goal is to preserve the teeth, but there some cases where a tooth cannot be saved using normal procedures. Understanding what situations can result in tooth removal and knowing the options available…
Your dentist can help determine if you need dental crowns. There are many reasons for getting these restorations. The main goal is always to restore the tooth and enhance its functions. Here are the signs you may need dental crowns soon.Losing at least one tooth can cause more dental problems. It can lead to dental…
Dental restorations can fail. Seeing your dentist right away can help correct the situation if it happens. Your restorations may need replacements already. Routine dental visits allow your dentist to check your restorations and schedule the next appointment for the re-treatment. If you want to know what happens when dental restorations fail, here are the…