Understanding the Differences Between Cosmetic and General Dentistry

General and cosmetic dentistry are two channels of oral healthcare. They are separate in their jobs. Although the names are used interchangeably, the services they offer are not overlapping. A general dentist will help upkeep the integrity of the dental structure and a Los Angeles cosmetic dentist will help focus on the appearance and functionality of the teeth. There are different works performed under each segment. 

General Dentistry Services

General dentistry works to help strengthen the foundation of the teeth. Primary oral healthcare providers are certified as general dentists. Their role is to create healthy teeth. They incorporate preventative, restorative, and maintenance care practices in their line of action. These procedures are mandatory and ignoring the dental concern will lead to worsening of the problem. 

Understanding the Differences Between Cosmetic and General Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Cosmetic dentistry helps in making the teeth look clean and symmetrical. The clinics that deal in cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles are modern and house the latest medical equipment. Their basic focus is on doing jobs that improve the look and appearance of the teeth. These are elective procedures carried out by certified experts. 

Understanding the Differences Between Cosmetic and General Dentistry

General Dentistry Jobs

The basic general dentistry responsibilities and area of operation include:

  • Routine Cleaning – Routine checkups allow dental experts to pick up problem areas before they manifest into bigger troubles. Professional cleaning helps remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas. This is vital for healthful teeth and gums. 
  • Dental Restoration – Screening the roots is crucial for treating tooth decay. They perform X-rays to capture the extent of damage. If the dental crown is damaged, dental filling is done. If the damage extends to the root, they perform root canal treatment. 
  • Oral Screening For Cancer And Gum Disease – A general dentist is trained to pick up the early spots of conditions breeding in the mouth. Oral cancer or gum disease, the treatment of these conditions is more effective with early detection. 
  • Perform Tooth Extraction – Tooth extraction may be required for some cosmetic dental jobs. It may also be necessary if the tooth is damaged and there is no scope for repair. A general dentist performs the extraction. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Jobs

In case you want to get any of the undermentioned treatments, visit a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles:

  • Dentures – It is a treatment for missing teeth. It is a removable oral appliance with false teeth. 
  • Dental Implants – it’s far a permanent answer for lacking enamel. A metallic root is drilled into the jawbone. The artificial crown is screwed atop. 
  • Veneers – They are thin shells that are pasted in front of the teeth. They are used to hide chipping and gaps that may be there in the teeth.  
  • Aligners – It is an orthodontic treatment for minor misalignment.   
  • Dental Crowns – In cases wherein the crown is completely damaged, an artificial dental crown is fixed. It works and looks like regular teeth.  
  • Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is created by positioning artificial crowns in the required spot.  It is put into practice if more than one crown is damaged. 
  • Inlays and Onlays – It is a restoration work done with a tooth-coloured resin bond. The repair work restores the dental crown and the damaged tooth.   
  • Gum Contouring – The treatment reduces the amount of visible gum tissue. 
  • Dental Bonding –  It gives the teeth the desired color and shape. It is a composite that has resin that is pasted on the enamel. 
  • Teeth Whitening – For yellowish and dull looking teeth, teeth whitening solutions help. Through bleaching, the cosmetic dentist will remove all stains and discoloration from the teeth. The teeth appear sparkling white in one session.  

The Choice Between A General Dentist And Cosmetic Dentist

One may need clarification on whether to visit a general dentist or a cosmetic dentist. Both are skilled in correcting anomalies of the mouth. The choice between the two is directed by the dental issue that is to be addressed. For comprehensive cleaning and routine screening, visit a general dentist. A regular check-up is required every six months. The first visit to the general dentist is recommended as early as when the child’s first tooth shows up. You can also visit the general dentist for any kind of restoration work that does not fall in the visible smile line and, therefore, does not have a cosmetic impact. These procedures are typically necessary, and ignoring them or postponing treatment will increase the extent of damage. 

If you are genuinely concerned about how your teeth look and the way you smile, a cosmetic dentist will help address your concerns. With the help of these elective treatments, the doctor will camouflage the imperfections. The benefits of cosmetic dentistry also extend to improving the functioning of the teeth. The best cosmetic dentists in Los Angeles clinics hold the highest level of certifications and are trained to perform the most invasive surgical procedures. 

Modern dentistry artfully merges the services of the two domains. Some clinics help doctors collaborate. Their services tactfully interplay between restorative methods and cosmetic solutions and provide a one-stop solution to the patients. youtube video

Final Thoughts

Dental care is a vast domain. It includes the entire spectrum of services for oral health and beautiful smiles. However, different services have different focus areas. It is important to understand the core strength of each field in order to seek the best benefits from its services. At the Personal Dental Office in Los Angeles, you get the specialized services of both domains. With a fully equipped orthodontic center and a cosmetic dentist clinic in place, step in the avail of specialized services.  

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