Difference between General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dentistry has moved a lot ever since there have been tremendous advancements in the field of dental technology. There have been significant developments in new areas of dentistry and one such advancement is in the area of cosmetic dentistry. It differs a lot compared to general dentistry. However, depending on your needs and requirements of the teeth, a general dentist may refer you to a cosmetic dentist who is a specialist in cosmetic dentistry services. In this blog, let us focus on some of the key differences between general and cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Some people would wish to see a dentist not for just to clean or filling the cavities within the teeth, but to enhance their visual appearance by doing something about their teeth. A cosmetic dentist will try to implement different types of techniques to help enhance your teeth’s visual appearance.

Porcelain Veneers and Caps

If you are having a problem with the front portion of your teeth, then porcelain veneers and caps could be an ideal choice. They look more natural compared to metal filling. The cosmetic dentist will initially perform sanding of the teeth and a few days will be required for the dentist to obtain the caps which could be fitted properly to the patient’s teeth. Thus it is considered one of the better options for correcting crooked or cracked teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Your teeth could become stained due to a variety of reasons. Staining of teeth means the teeth become discoloured. It can affect the self-esteem of an individual having discoloured teeth. Some of the possible reasons for tooth discolouration include smoking, drinking coffee regularly and also some medications. Cosmetic dentists have the needed skills, expertise and speed in performing teeth whitening procedures.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding involves placing resin in the teeth which are then hardened using light. It is less invasive compared to a veneer. For cracks and unevenness of the teeth, a cosmetic dentist can help you with dental bonding.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses more on a teeth’s beauty than its functionality. 

General Dentistry

General dentists are the ones whom we consult whenever we face any dental issues. They are expert dentists in assessing, cleaning and repairing teeth. There are various reasons for which one might visit a general dentist. Some of the most common reasons are given below.

Cavities

If you are facing a toothache or tooth decay, then a general dentist will be responsible for removing the bad tissue and damaged enamel before proceeding with the cleaning of the area and filling the area. Depending on the patient’s requirements, the filling could be either metal or tooth coloured. 

Root Canals

Root Canals are one of the most common and important dental procedures in general dentistry. Expert dentists can perform root canal treatment without much pain or side effects. However you should ask for recommendations from the best general dentist in Lorton, VA as not all dentists are good at this practice.

If you have a broken or chipped tooth, a general dentist is the one you should consult right away as they could help you with a filling or a cap. To summarize, general dentistry is about fixing dental issues and dental complications that involve pain. Cosmetic dentistry is more about increasing the beauty of your teeth. Lorton Town Dental is one of the best dental care in Lorton, VA providing best-in-class general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry services. Fix up an appointment to consult the best dentist in Lorton, VA.