Approximately two-thirds (64.9%) of American adults visit a dentist in the United States at least once a year. The benefits of visiting the dentist include maintaining your overall oral health, preventing the onset of dental decay and gum disease, and improving the aesthetics of your smile.
When you are planning a visit to a dentist, you have the option to choose between general and cosmetic dentistry. But what is the difference between these types of dentistry, and which option is best for you? In this blog post, we will answer this question by taking a closer look at both general and cosmetic dentistry.
What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is mainly focused on issues related to oral hygiene. If you have a toothache, for example, you should visit a general dentist. It is your go-to resource for overall oral health, and its services include:
- Diagnosing oral diseases
- Proving preventative treatments
- Making treatment plans to maintain oral health
It is recommended that you schedule regular visits to a general dentist (at least 1 to 2 times per year) for routine teeth cleanings and oral hygiene checkups.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
A cosmetic dentist is a certified dentist with additional training that allows them to perform specialized dental care services. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the aesthetics of a patient’s smile, helping to improve the appearance of teeth, gums, and bite. Some of the services that a cosmetic dentist may offer include:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental veneers
- Dental crowns
- Inlays and Onlays
- Dental implants
- Dental bonding
- Various types of braces
There are several reasons you may wish to see a cosmetic dentist. These include tooth decay, crooked or misshapen teeth, discoloration, missing teeth, or damaged teeth.
One survey by the American Dental Association found that one-third of young Americans are reluctant to smile because of the condition of their teeth. Almost a quarter of adults say that they have reduced their participation in social events due to feeling self-conscious about their smiles. If you can relate to these people, a cosmetic dentist is your best option.
If you are interested in learning more about both general and cosmetic dentistry, click here to check out the range of services this dentist offers.
Choose Between General and Cosmetic Dentistry
If you are considering making an appointment with a dentist, the above information will help you to determine whether you need a general or cosmetic dentist. Both classes of dentists are highly trained and experts in their field.
It is recommended that you schedule regular visits to a general dentist during the year to maintain your oral health. When you are seeking to improve the appearance of your smile, your best option will be to visit a cosmetic dentist.
Like this blog post on the differences between general and cosmetic dentistry? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics. Like this blog post on the differences between general and cosmetic dentistry? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
