There is a wide variety of specializations in dentistry nowadays, with general and cosmetic dentists being two of the most sought-after procedures. In most cases, patients who require dental work or who wish to check for cavities would first see a general dentist working on preventative and more basic dental treatment.
But if you’re self-conscious about your smile, what alternatives do you have? Similarly to how you would pay a visit to a plastic surgeon for body-enhancing treatments, you may see a cosmetic dentist for aesthetic improvements to your smile. Find out more about the differences between general and cosmetic dental care, and determine whether you need to see one or the other for your oral care.
General Dentistry
For the most part, general dentists deal with patients experiencing complications with their teeth, gums, or overall oral health. Root canals, tooth removals, and filling cavities are some of the most common procedures. If you’ve ever experienced a toothache, chances are you went to a general dentist.
A typical general dentist sees patients of all ages and provides comprehensive dental care. The dentists who work in these practices offer a wide range of services rather than specializing in any one area of dental care. You can expect a general dentistry practice to address the following issues:
- Restorative services
- Regular examinations
- Preventive services
- Overall oral health concerns
General dentists are the go-to experts if you are worried about the general health of your teeth and gums. They can determine dental disorders and offer preventative actions such as deep cleanings. You can also have X-rays taken and examined for a detailed assessment of your mouth’s problem. Check out this resource to learn more about general dentistry and the types of dental health issues it can treat.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dental care is among the most prominent dental procedures in the United States. This field deals with aesthetics. Cosmetic dental experts specialize in fixing teeth issues like tooth discoloration, chipping, and misalignment. A cosmetic dentist’s primary purpose is to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. There are numerous services centered on these improvements. What a top cosmetic dentist in the area can do for you is listed below.
- Teeth and gum whitening
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
- Veneers
- Dental bonding
- Dental bridges
- Invisalign
Consider cosmetic dental care as a means to give your smile a makeover. Not only can it help you achieve your dental health goals, but it can also completely change the appearance of your teeth. If you want your gums to look much healthier, your cosmetic dentist can aid you in obtaining them. If you are bothered by a tooth that needs to be in the appropriate place, this type of professional can also help.
Which dental specialist should you visit?
This will depend on what you desire. Cosmetic or general dentists can help with basic dental care needs like pain, discomfort, or poor oral health in general. However, if you want to fix something about the way your teeth look, you should go to a cosmetic dentist. This implies you can go to either dentist for oral treatment, but you need to consult a cosmetic dentist for tooth restoration or whitening. Meanwhile, searching online for a “dental office near me” is the best way to find a clinic that can offer traditional dental care or make your smile look better.
Final Thoughts
The best strategy is to make an appointment with a dentist specializing in general and cosmetic dentistry. In dental clinics like these, you can expect to find specialists who are well-versed in all areas of dentistry. Whether you require treatment for a minor toothache infection or wish to improve the appearance of your smile, a practice similar to this can help accommodate your dental needs.