General Dentistry vs Cosmetic Dentistry
In the industry of dentistry, the words general and cosmetic come up quite a bit. What is the difference between these two areas of dental practice though? On the surface it may seem pretty simple. In all honesty the answer is rather simple, though it could use a little bit more explanation. Before we diverge into the contrast we can start off with the comparison. Both have the same ultimate goal, acting as a doctor for your mouth. Making sure your teeth are maintained and in good health. Regardless of which word comes up when researching a dentist, you will be getting the same foundation of work done to your teeth. It is from that foundation that the contrast comes into play.
General: General dentistry can be best described as function over aesthetic. A general dentistry is mainly concerned with effectively solving a problem. They specialize in pulling teeth, fixing cavities, and performing root canals. Though highly effective, the appearance of the teeth comes secondary to the repair and healing of them.
Cosmetic: When entering the area of cosmetic dentistry, the appearance of the teeth are paramount to success. While not disregarding the general importance of proper repair of the teeth, an emphasis is placed on the overall aesthetics of the smile. Cosmetic dentists will use a variety of techniques that include porcelain crowns, dental implants, forms of aesthetically pleasing alignments such as Invisalign, and will also offer tooth cleaning. Because this also involves repairing the damaged teeth, cosmetic dentistry is not a pure contrast to general dentistry but rather an extension of it.
Which to Choose: When it comes to deciding which kind of dentist to seek out for treatment, look at what it is you need done. Luckily many who offer cosmetic dentistry will also offer basic general dentistry services. If you are unsure if a dentist can help you, feel free to contact them via phone or email to find out more about their practice.
When it comes to looking at possible options for your dental health, take a moment to contact the Drs. Costello and Drake, who specialize in giving you the best results through both general and cosmetic dentistry.