General Dentistry
The field of general dentistry involves identifying, managing, and avoiding oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. General dentists, who usually provide a range of services, are the primary medical professionals who address patients on a routine basis. Some of the treatments that they offer are:
Routine checkups and cleanings:
During a routine checkup, a general dentist examines your mouth, teeth, and gums to look for any possible problems.
Fillings:
A general dentist can fill a hole by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the space with composite resin or silver amalgam.
Root canals:
A general dentist can conduct a root canal on an infected tooth to remove the infected tissue and save the molar.
Extractions:
If a tooth is too severely decayed or damaged to be saved a dentist might opt for extraction.
Oral cancer screenings:
During a routine checkup, a general dentist will examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer.
A general dentist will check the entirety of your mouth during a regular checkup to look for any indications of decay, infection, or other problems. To fix any issues they discover, they might suggest procedures like extractions, root canals, or fillings. Additionally, general dentists offer preventive care to help keep the health of your teeth and gums, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry aims to make a patient’s teeth and smile more attractive. A cosmetic dentist near you employs a number of methods to enhance the appearance of teeth, including:
Teeth whitening:
To whiten teeth, cosmetic dentists employ a variety of methods, including at-home procedures, custom-made bleaching trays, and in-office bleaching.
Dental veneers:
To enhance the appearance of teeth, thin porcelain or composite resin shells are bonded to the front surface of the teeth.
Dental implants:
If a patient is missing teeth, a cosmetic dentist can place dental implants to replace them.
Invisalign:
Without the use of conventional braces, Invisalign is a type of clear aligner that can straighten teeth.
Bonding:
Bonding is the application of a tooth-colored resin to a tooth’s surface to enhance its appearance.
Consult a cosmetic dentist in Burnaby if you want to enhance the appearance of your smile. Dental implants, veneers, and teeth whitening are just a few of the cosmetic treatments they specialize in. A cosmetic dentist can help you achieve a more attractive, brighter smile and can increase your self-confidence and self-esteem.
The Differences
Focus is the primary distinction between general and cosmetic dentistry. While cosmetic dentists are focused on enhancing the look of your teeth, general dentists are focused on the overall health of your teeth and gums. However, this does not imply that regular dentists do not care about your smile’s appearance. Cosmetic dental services like veneers and teeth whitening are frequently provided by general practitioners. On the other hand, a lot of cosmetic dentists also provide general dental services like regular cleanings and checkups.
The type of training that each type of dentist gets is another distinction. After college, general dentists usually complete a four-year dental program that covers all aspects of dentistry. On the other hand, cosmetic dentists frequently finish additional training or education in cosmetic dentistry methods and techniques.
When to See a General Dentist vs. a Cosmetic Dentist
You should visit a general dentist if you have any problems with your teeth or gums, such as discomfort, sensitivity, or bleeding. They are able to identify the problem and administer the proper care.
You should visit a cosmetic dentist if you want to enhance the appearance of your smile. They can talk to you about your choices and assist you in getting the smile you desire.
Keeping good oral health and achieving a beautiful smile requires the help of both general and cosmetic dentists. Although they may have different priorities, both varieties of dentists are devoted to assisting patients.
FAQS
1. Does cosmetic dentistry do more than improve my appearance?
Although many cosmetic dentistry procedures also improve your oral health overall, cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that concentrates on improving the appearance of your smile. Most significantly, you’ll feel happier in general when you’re smiling with pleasure.
2. Can I expect my new smile to last forever?
The average length of the treatment procedure is between 12 and 3 years. Any type includes a planning stage where the dentist evaluates your current tooth alignments and discusses desired outcomes while using X-rays and impressions.
3 . How many visits will it require to achieve a new smile?
You might need up to seven visits to achieve a totally new appearance. Three visits are typically necessary to completely transform your smile and dental health.
4 . How can I get my natural teeth to match my porcelain veneers?
It can be a little difficult, but it is feasible, to get your natural teeth to match your porcelain veneers. They won’t be an identical replica of nearby teeth. Even so, the dentist will make sure they closely resemble other teeth features. Dental professionals can now create veneers in-office using 3-D imagery and computers thanks to advancements in technology.
Visit Eagle Creek Dental if you are looking for a dentist in Burnaby to restore your smile or enhance your overall appearance. We have a team of expert dentists near you who can help you regain your oral health, function of the mouth, overall appearance and self-confidence.
Schedule your appointment with us and get the smile you desire!