Cosmetic Vs. General Dentistry: Which Treatment Do You Need?
Cosmetic and general dentistry are common types of dentistry that aim to address oral issues. While both can help maintain a healthy mouth, each has treatment options and considerations. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving your teeth’s appearance, while general dentistry concentrates on the overall care and maintenance of your dental health.
General, Cosmetic, and Restorative Dentist: A Brief Overview
A general dentist is the one who you usually visit for routine check-ups and preventive care. They may also handle gum disease or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Additionally, they provide education about gums, brushing, and flossing.
On the other hand, a cosmetic dentist specializes in the aesthetic aspects of dentistry. These include tooth whitening, dental implants, porcelain veneers, and even full-mouth reconstruction. While general dentists can provide some of these services, cosmetic dentists have further training and typically focus on delivering more advanced solutions for perfect teeth and smile.
Restorative dentistry is an additional field in the industry that often overlaps with both cosmetic and general dentistry. This specialty focuses on restoring damaged or missing teeth through various procedures, such as root canals, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Sometimes, a cosmetic or general dentist can perform restorative treatments, but it’s usually best to see a specialized restorative dentist for the most effective results.
When Do You Need Cosmetic Dentistry?
Here are some reasons you may need cosmetic dentistry:
1. Severe Teeth Discolorations and Stains
Teeth stains and discolorations can be caused by smoking, stained-causing food and drinks like red wine and coffee, and even medications. If your teeth stains are severe, you may want to consider professional whitening treatments or veneers.
2. Visible Gaps Between Teeth
If there are gaps between your teeth that make it difficult to smile confidently, cosmetic dentistry can help. Depending on the gap’s shape and size, your dentist may recommend bonding, crowns, bridges, or orthodontic treatments like traditional metal braces or Invisalign.
3. Chipped or Broken Teeth
Having chipped or broken teeth can be both an aesthetic and functional concern. You can cover up these flaws with porcelain veneers or crowns. If there is any decay present, fillings may also be recommended.
When considering any cosmetic procedure and you’re in Austin, TX, look no further than Elite Dentistry.
When Do You Need General Dentistry?
Below are some reasons why you might need general dentistry:
1. Preventive Care
Regular dental visits are important for identifying and preventing any oral issues before they become a bigger problem. During these check-ups, your dentist will usually conduct cleanings, inspect the health of your teeth and gums, take X-rays, apply fluoride treatments, and look for signs of decay or any other issues.
2. Restorative Treatments
If you have severe toothaches or infections that can’t be solved with preventive care alone, restorative treatments, such as endodontic therapy (root canals), may be necessary. Restorative treatments include fillings, crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, dental implant surgery, or dentures (see dentures in Austin TX for more info).
What Is the Price Difference Between Cosmetic and General Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry costs are typically higher than general dentistry, as it requires more specialized treatment and technology. Also, they are often not covered by insurance, as they are considered elective procedures.
However, prices can vary greatly depending on the following factors:
- The complexity of the procedure, such as if you need anesthesia
- Types of materials used
- Your dentist and location
- Whether you have dental insurance or not
- If you need additional treatment like bone grafting or sinus lift
Go now to this page to see more about the costs of dental procedures and other important details you need to know.
Final Thoughts
Before committing to a specific treatment, you need to be aware of your dental circumstances and needs. Your first step is to book an initial consultation with your dentist so that they can assess your teeth, gums, and jaw. They will help you decide which type of dentistry is best for you.