What’s the Difference: Cosmetic Dentistry vs General Dentistry

Nowadays, dental technologies have progressed to the point where a wide range of dental procedures are available to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. As a consequence, the dental team's duties and obligations at the clinic have expanded. Nobody knows this better than a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry in Colorado Springs.   A lot of patients are still unfamiliar with the term "cosmetic dentist." Most people have an idea of what a general dentist does, but what is a cosmetic dentist? This article will assist you in understanding the distinctions between the two. It's important to learn the difference between the two professions so you'll know who can provide the best care for your needs.  

Distinctions Between the Two

Treatments Performed by General Dentists

The following are the most prevalent types of general dentistry dentists use to keep your smile healthy:  

• Fillings – These allow the dentist to fill the area left over by tooth decay.
• Root Canal - If your teeth are severely decayed, there may be healthy pieces of the tooth that can be spared, and a root canal is the best way to protect them. Dentists perform root canals to treat and heal a diseased tooth. The tooth does not need to be extracted or removed.  
• Dental Implants —To maintain bone stimulation and place a natural-looking implant to keep your teeth strong. It is a long-term, non-obtrusive treatment for missing or failing teeth. Having missing or lost teeth can also affect the way you eat and speak, lowering your self-esteem.  

Treatments Performed by Cosmetic Dentists

The following are some of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments for an aesthetically beautiful smile you deserve:  

• Teeth Whitening Treatment – This procedure is used to get rid of persistent stains and brighten the color of your dazzling whites.  
• Dental Crowns - A "cap" over your damaged teeth hides any discoloration and protects your damaged tooth.  
• Porcelain Veneers – Veneers give every patient a Hollywood-style grin. Veneers are thin, natural-looking porcelain shells that are placed over the front teeth to give them a new look.  
• Clean-up and check-up – Regular scale-and-polish appointments allow the dentist to examine your teeth and notice any issues such as cavities or bacteria.  

Other Distinctions

Consider the following distinctions between a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist:  

• Cosmetic treatments are mainly concerned with achieving an aesthetically attractive appearance, which refers to how your teeth look. You should see a cosmetic dentist if you are unsatisfied with or are embarrassed by your smile.
• A general dentist focuses primarily on preventative and restorative measures to maintain or improve your oral health. This type of dental professional is your primary oral health care provider.

Inquire More About Cosmetic Dentistry in Colorado Springs

If you are concerned about the appearance of your teeth, there are a variety of treatments available to help you actualize that dream smile of yours. Come in for a consultation at Esthetic Family Dentistry today! We’d like to hear from you!