While cosmetic dentistry concentrates on the look of teeth and smiles, traditional dentistry treats oral health issues. It includes procedures like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental bonding. While cosmetic dentistry is not a formal dental specialty, many dentists pursue advanced training to provide patients with the best care possible. Those who choose to focus on cosmetic dentistry are often trained in areas like gum contouring, which is performed to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry and “cosmetic dentistry” are frequently used synonymously. Still, it is a separate area of practice that focuses on improving the appearance (and sometimes function) of the teeth and bites. It focuses on small details that significantly impact a patient’s self-esteem rather than being covered by dental insurance. These procedures include everything from whitening to veneers and gum reshaping. It also entails using artificial implants that mimic natural teeth to replace missing teeth. A Cosmetic dentist has unique skills that allow them to address many problems in one office visit. The idea is to create a gorgeous smile to increase your confidence and sense of self in social situations.
Cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills can take the time to understand your concerns and goals for your smile and recommend procedures to achieve the desired results. They can also suggest other specialists in the same office for more complex procedures. A standard procedure is composite bonding, which involves repairing decayed or chipped teeth with tooth-colored material. The dentist applies the composite to the tooth and then sculpts and cures it with a high-intensity light. This material is an alternative to silver fillings, which contain mercury. It is safer and more effective.
How Does Cosmetic Dentistry Work?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing your smile through procedures like dental veneers or professional teeth whitening, while traditional dentists mainly address the condition of your teeth and gums. While these treatments don’t address any underlying issues, they can significantly improve your appearance and help boost your self-esteem. A cosmetic dentist can resolve various aesthetic dental problems, such as broken or cracked teeth, crooked teeth, or misaligned bites. They can also reshape your gum line or use veneers to cover gaps and discolored or missing teeth. While general dentists can perform cosmetic procedures, they are less likely to do so. However, some specialized dentists, like prosthodontists, have extensive experience in both cosmetic and restorative treatments.
What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?
The primary benefit of cosmetic dentistry is improved appearance, but it can also be essential in preventing and managing more serious oral health issues. For instance, teeth that are discolored or cracked can harbor bacteria that cause gum disease and crowded or crooked teeth can result in bite issues. Cosmetic dental bonding and teeth whitening can help resolve these problems and provide a long-lasting, healthy smile.
Another benefit of cosmetic procedures is that they can improve your self-esteem and confidence by helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. In addition, most cosmetic dental procedures are quick and painless, requiring little to no recovery time and allowing you to immediately return to your daily routine.
Some cosmetic procedures may combine restorative and cosmetic treatments, such as dental veneers that mask cracked or chipped teeth or dental bridges that replace missing teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can restore a youthful look with tooth reshaping or gum lifting procedures.
Although these treatments are often elective rather than necessary, many patients find they can significantly impact their quality of life. It’s true for dental implants and bridges, which replace the missing tooth and provide a natural-looking aesthetic, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting out of place.
What Are the Benefits of Traditional Dentistry?
Traditional dentistry offers patients a safe, reliable, tried, and proper care method for oral health. It addresses many common dental concerns, including damaged or decayed teeth, jaw problems, etc. Additionally, traditional treatments like tooth removal, a procedure necessary when there is a severe crowding problem in the mouth, and bone grafting, which helps thicken the gums for implants, are often more affordable than cosmetic alternatives.
In addition to traditional treatments, a general dentist provides patients with preventative care. It includes routine cleanings, dental fillings, and other treatments that can help protect the health of your teeth and gums. Some of these treatments are not only good for the appearance of your smile but can even improve its function. For example, dental crowns and bridges repair cracked or broken teeth while improving the shape of your smile.
The main difference between cosmetic and traditional dentistry is that a cosmetic dentist focuses on the aesthetics of your smile, while a traditional dentist treats all aspects of oral health. When choosing a dentist near you, it’s essential to understand the differences between these two approaches so that you can make an informed decision based on your unique needs and preferences. It will ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your smile!