When Do You Need Cosmetic or General Dentistry?
General and cosmetic dentistry are common kinds of dentistry that intend to resolve oral problems. While both can help preserve a healthy mouth, each has treatment options and considerations. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing your teeth’s look, while general dentistry concentrates on the overall care and maintenance of your oral health.
General, Cosmetic, and Restorative Dentist: A Brief Overview
A general dentist is the one who you often visit for regular check-ups and preventive care. They might also handle gum disease or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. In addition, they provide education about gums, flossing, and brushing.
On the other hand, a cosmetic dentist concentrates on the aesthetic aspects of dentistry. These include tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and even full-mouth reconstruction. While general dentists can provide a few of these services, cosmetic dentists have further training and normally concentrate on providing advanced solutions for perfect smiles and teeth.
Restorative dentistry is an additional field in the industry that typically overlaps with both general and cosmetic dentistry. This specialty focuses on restoring missing and damaged teeth through various treatments, such as root canals, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Sometimes, a general or cosmetic 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, stain-causing food and drinks like red wine and coffee, and even medications. If your teeth stains are severe, you might want to consider professional whitening treatments or dental veneers.
2. Visible Gaps Between Teeth
If gaps between your teeth make it difficult to smile with confidence, you can get advantage of cosmetic dentistry in Austin TX. Depending on the space’s size and shape, your dentist may suggest crowns, bridges, bonding, 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 issue. You can conceal these flaws with crowns or porcelain veneers. If there’s any decay present, fillings may also be recommended.
When considering any cosmetic treatment 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
Routine dental visits are essential for identifying and preventing oral problems before they become a bigger problem. During these check-ups, your dentist will usually conduct cleanings, check the health of your gums and teeth, take X-rays, apply fluoride treatments, and search for signs of decay or any other concerns.
2. Restorative Treatments
If you have severe infections or toothaches that can’t be solved with preventive care alone, restorative treatments, such as endodontic therapy (root canals), might be necessary. Restorative treatments include fillings, crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, dental implant surgery, or dentures. Treatment with dentures is usually preferred by people who are on a budget and can’t afford dental implants or bridges.
What Is the Price Difference Between Cosmetic and General Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry costs are usually 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 treatments.
However, prices may vary greatly depending on the following factors:
- The complexity of the treatment, such as if you need anesthesia
- Types of materials used
- Your dentist and location
- Whether you have dental insurance or not
- If you require additional treatment like sinus lift or bone grafting
You may check here to see more about the costs of dental treatments and other essential information you need to know.
Final Thoughts
Before committing to a particular treatment, you must know your dental circumstances and needs. Your primary step is to schedule an initial consultation with your dentist so that they can examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. They will help you choose which kind of dentistry is best for you.
