The Difference Between General and Cosmetic Dental Services

While people often confuse general and cosmetic dental services, they are not the same. For instance, general dentists and cosmetic dentists hold the same degree. However, cosmetic dentists have additional training in improving a smile's appearance through professional teeth whitening, dental veneers, and other cosmetic treatments. If you want a radiant, picture-perfect smile, cosmetic dentistry may help you achieve it.

General vs. cosmetic dentistry

General dentistry deals with the health of the teeth and the mouth as a whole. To maintain good oral health, a patient visiting a general dentist may receive a routine dental cleaning, oral exam, and dental X-rays. A general dentist may treat any minor to moderate issues, such as tooth decay (cavities) or gum disease (gingivitis). Dental bonding and fillings are common. A more severe oral health issue may require a root canal or other type of oral surgery.

On the other hand, cosmetic dentists do not provide routine preventative or restorative dental procedures. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on how the smile looks. This may mean teeth whitening to remove discoloration and stains for some patients. Others may want to make their smile more even or less crooked. There are numerous cosmetic dental services patients may choose from.

How cosmetic dental services may improve your smile

Remove stains

A cosmetic dentist may remove a variety of stains on the teeth, such as from food, drink, aging, or other factors. While there is in-office teeth whitening, many patients prefer an at-home teeth whitening kit. The dentist will take impressions of the teeth to create whitening trays custom-made for each patient. These kits will also include professional-grade whitening gel, which is stronger and of better quality than over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments.

Restore cracks or chips

Cracked and chipped teeth are a common reason for visiting a cosmetic dentist, as they have a few options to restore them. Dental bonding is a composite resin that may be applied to the teeth to restore minor chips and cracks. (General dentists also use bonding to fill cavities.) A dental crown may be a better option for deeper cracks and chips. This is a tooth-shaped cap cemented on top of the damaged tooth. The dentist will first shape the natural tooth to ensure it will remain healthy and stable beneath the crown.

Severely cracked and chipped teeth typically need a more intensive cosmetic treatment. The most common are tooth-colored shells called dental veneers. Veneers fit over the front of the teeth, effectively and permanently restoring them.

Even out the teeth

Dental veneers and bonding may also help correct an uneven smile. Tooth contouring is another option, in which a cosmetic dentist sculpts the outermost tooth layer (enamel) to change the smile's overall appearance. This is an effective option for patients with crooked teeth or teeth that are too long, pointed, or have bulges in the enamel.