General vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: Understanding the Difference

There are two major types of dentistry, which include general and cosmetic. General dentistry takes care of the well-being of teeth and gums, while cosmetic dentistry ensures your smile is perfect. A good understanding of general and cosmetic dentistry would help one know what kind of treatment their teeth might need.

What is General Dentistry?

The main focuses of general dentistry are gum and tooth health. They help to keep your mouth in optimal shape so that you can chew, speak, and smile well. General dentistry helps to prevent dental issues like gum disease, cavities, and more at an early stage. Some treatments included in general dentistry are:

Cleanings: A dentist cleans your teeth to remove plaque, bacteria, tartar, and more from the mouth. Cleaning by a dentist helps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and dental issues.
Examinations: Regular checkups let the dentist detect dental issues at an early stage. They check for cavities, gum diseases, and other dental problems.
Fillings: In the case of a cavity, the dentist will remove the decayed tooth. Then dentists fill the hole using a special material.
Crowns: When a tooth is damaged or weak, they place a cap, called a crown, over the tooth to protect it and restore its shape.
Root Canals: A root canal may be necessary if the pulp, or interior portion of the tooth, is infected. By sealing the tooth and removing the infection, endodontic therapy helps to preserve it.
Extractions: Sometimes, it might become necessary to remove a tooth in case of damage or other issues.

General dentistry in Barrie works towards the health of teeth and gums. Solves dental issues at an early stage, and it deals with general oral health care.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Enhancing the look of teeth and smiles is the goal of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry includes several procedures, including bonding, veneers, and more. It supports oral health and enhances the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry includes the following procedures:

Teeth whitening: This procedure involves removing stains and discoloration from your teeth by a dentist. Which results in a brighter and whiter smile.
Veneers: Thin layers of porcelain are attached to the front of your teeth to cover imperfections. These thin-layer shells can be customized in the shape, size, or colour of your natural teeth.
Bonding: Tooth-coloured material used to restore small chips or gaps in your teeth. Bonding can change the shape of your teeth; hence, finding the right dentist near you for the treatment is essential.
Braces: Braces help to straighten your teeth. It corrects misalignment of teeth, which thus enhances the smile of a person.
Invisalign: These are removable aligners that straighten your teeth discreetly. They are made from transparent material, unlike metal braces, which have metal wires and brackets.
Gum contouring: In this procedure, the gum line is reshaped to make the teeth appear more proportionate and make your smile more attractive.

Cosmetic dentistry is popular as it helps to restore the appearance of the teeth. As well as it can help one achieve the attractive smile they desire.

What Makes the Two Types of Dentistry Similar?

While general and cosmetic dentistry focus on different things, they have some similarities:

Dentists: General and cosmetic dentistry are handled by a professional dentist. They take care of teeth and gums effectively and conveniently.
Health benefits: General dentistry helps to prevent dental issues early, which helps to have a healthy mouth and thus overall well-being. Treatments in cosmetic dentistry can also benefit your oral health. For example, repairing a cracked tooth to prevent further issues.
Patient care: Both are approached equally by dentists in both disciplines to understand your requirements. They will draw up plans to help you have healthy and beautiful teeth.

General and cosmetic dentistry in Barrie helps to transform the health of smiles.

Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry and General Dentistry

Though cosmetic and general dentistry are both equally crucial for your teeth, they differ from each other in some principal aspects:

Objective: The main objective of general dentistry is to maintain the optimum health of teeth and gums. This would include checking for signs of an issue, cleaning teeth, and repairing dental imperfections. Cosmetic dentistry aims at beautifying your smile, which boosts confidence. In addition to improving your teeth's appearance, it also makes you feel comfortable talking and smiling.
Treatments: Some of the general dentistry treatments include cleanings, fillings, root canals, and other treatments that correct issues. Under cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, and more are included. Your teeth will look great with this kind of treatment.
Insurance coverage: Almost all general dental treatments are covered because they maintain your teeth in a healthy condition. Most of the aesthetic treatments are generally not covered, since these treatments are not for health reasons but more to enhance the aesthetics of the smile.
Purpose: The role of general dentistry is to prevent and repair dental problems for the maintenance of optimal oral health. Cosmetic dentistry will improve the appearance of your teeth and your smile.

General dentistry focuses on making the teeth strong and free of bacteria. While cosmetic dentistry near you focuses on providing a radiant smile. It means that general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry work together to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Schedule Your Consultation at Lakeview Barrie Dental Today!

At our clinic, our team of dentist in Barrie works hard to ensure that patients enjoy and have a comfortable dental experience. We provide effective treatment with the use of modern tools and equipment, which will meet your specific dental needs. Also, our treatment plans are pocket-friendly, making them easily accessible to all. Would you like to transform your smile? If yes, please visit our dental clinic today to brighten your smile!