preloader

General Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s the Difference?

Season to enjoy and indulge in delicious treats, cakes, puddings, sweets and much more is upon us. While we are making the most of it, it is important to remember that these sweet treats could play havoc with your dental care.

We thought it was very timely to offer some tips that will come in handy for you and your loved ones through the season.

Whilst sweet, sugary treat and fizzy drinks can be very tempting during the season, keep a limit on these. Sugars tend to attach themselves to teeth and gums. Ensure to drink water in between to wash off the sugar. Chewing sugar-free chewing gums are a good idea to clean your teeth in between meals.

Keep brushing and flossing at least twice a day – first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Floss at least once a day.

Don’t use your teeth to open drink bottle caps, or crack nuts

Smiles are beautiful and we at Shine Dental don’t want you to lose yours. Don’t forget to look after your dental health over the festive season and book an appointment with us for a general dental checkup.

We wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  

Introduction:

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile, two branches of dentistry play pivotal roles: general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. While both are essential for oral health and aesthetics, they serve different purposes. In this blog, we will delve into the distinctions between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, helping you understand their unique functions and how they contribute to achieving your best smile.

General Dentistry: Building the Foundation of Oral Health

General dentistry is the cornerstone of dental care, focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating various dental issues that affect your overall oral health. General dentists are your primary dental care providers, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth.

Key Services Offered in General Dentistry:

  1. Dental Checkups and Cleanings: Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are vital to monitor oral health, detect early signs of dental problems, and maintain oral hygiene.
  2. Dental Fillings: General dentists treat cavities by removing decayed tooth material and restoring the tooth with dental fillings made of composite resin or amalgam.
  3. Root Canal Therapy: When the dental pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, a general dentist performs root canal therapy to save the natural tooth and alleviate pain.
  4. Gum Disease Treatment: General dentists diagnose and treat gum disease, including scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
  5. Tooth Extractions: When necessary, general dentists perform tooth extractions to remove severely damaged or impacted teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Enhancing Aesthetics and Boosting Confidence

Cosmetic dentistry is the art of enhancing the appearance of your smile by addressing aesthetic concerns. Cosmetic dentists focus on procedures that improve the color, shape, alignment, and overall aesthetics of your teeth, helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Key Services Offered in Cosmetic Dentistry:

  1. Teeth Whitening: This popular cosmetic treatment brightens discolored or stained teeth, restoring a dazzling white smile.
  2. Dental Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin are custom-made and bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance, masking imperfections like chips or gaps.
  3. Dental Crowns: Porcelain or ceramic crowns are used to cover and strengthen damaged or misshapen teeth, enhancing both function and aesthetics.
  4. Dental Implants: A long-lasting solution for missing teeth, dental implants replace the root and crown of a tooth, providing a natural-looking and functional restoration.
  5. Invisalign or Clear Aligners: These transparent orthodontic aligners discreetly straighten misaligned teeth, providing a more aesthetic alternative to traditional braces.

Conclusion:

General dentistry and cosmetic dentistry serve complementary roles in maintaining both the health and aesthetics of your smile. While general dentistry focuses on preventing and treating oral health issues, cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance the appearance of your teeth, boosting your self-confidence and overall well-being.

Remember that a healthy and radiant smile starts with regular visits to your general dentist for preventive care. If you have aesthetic concerns or desire to improve the appearance of your teeth, consulting a cosmetic dentist will open up a world of possibilities for achieving your dream smile.

Together, general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry can help you maintain optimal oral health while creating a smile that exudes beauty and confidence – a winning combination for a lifetime of healthy and happy smiles!

Dentist at Shine Dental, Manukau is always there to provide you the best Dental Care that you need. Contact us now!