Patients visit different types of dentists depending on their dental needs and goals. Some types of dental specialists include regular and cosmetic dentists. These dentists offer services that help you maintain good oral health and enhance the appearance of your teeth. Here’s more information about the differences between regular and cosmetic dentistry:
Cosmetic Dentists
If you have stained, misaligned, or missing teeth, a cosmetic dentist can correct the issues to improve your smile. Cosmetic dentists focus on enhancing the appearance of your teeth and gums. They use various procedures, like teeth whitening, composite bonding, and gum contouring, to address dental concerns and restore your smile. Cosmetic dentistry may boost your confidence in your smile, positively influencing your social life and relationships.
Cosmetic dentists also offer services that restore the health and functionality of your teeth. A cosmetic dentistry procedure like dental implants replaces missing teeth and restores your chewing ability. A corrective treatment like Invisalign may help fix bite abnormalities or crowded teeth, improving speech articulation.
Regular Dentists
Regular dentists may be identified as general or family dentists, and they provide comprehensive oral health care services. They specialize in maintaining patients’ overall oral health by cleaning and repairing teeth and gums. These services aim to keep your teeth and gums free from potential health issues, including cavities and gum disease. Regular dentists offer preventative care services to keep minor oral health problems, like toothaches or bleeding gums, from developing into serious conditions.
Regular vs. Cosmetic Dentistry
A cosmetic dentist offers a wide range of services to help patients achieve attractive smiles. One of the most common procedures they offer is professional teeth whitening. This procedure removes stubborn stains and brightens teeth. Other cosmetic dental procedures they offer include dental implants, veneers, and bonding. Cosmetic dentists examine your teeth and jaws to determine which procedure suits your anatomy. They may use dental appliances like veneers to fix broken, chipped, or stained teeth. If you have a damaged or decaying tooth, your cosmetic dentist may recommend repairing it with dental bonding. They can also use orthodontic treatments like Invisalign to correct misaligned, crowded, or crooked teeth.
General dentists provide routine oral check-ups and professional cleaning services. With routine check-ups, these dentists can spot oral issues and treat them early. Your regular dentist will conduct oral diagnosis through visual inspections, digital X-rays, or a biopsy. A digital X-ray and biopsy help the dentist identify oral health issues invisible to the eye. Teeth cleaning services remove stubborn or accumulated plaque and tartar to prevent the occurrence of oral problems. Your regular dentist may also offer teeth extraction, root canal therapy, and TMJ treatment. They can also provide emergency dental services.
Read also: Understanding and Managing Sensitive Teeth Pain: Expert Tips
Choose the Right Dentist for Your Needs
Assess your primary dental concerns to find a dentist that will be able to treat them. General dentists focus on enhancing your smile by improving your oral health. They perform thorough examinations to identify oral health concerns in children and adults. Contact a reputable family dentist today to learn more about their services.
