General and Cosmetic Dentistry – Definition and Connection with Each Other

1. General and Cosmetic Dentistry – Definition and Connection with Each Other Dentists opine their patients are often oblivious to the differences between general and cosmetic dentistry. To explain simply, general dentistry focuses on preventing and treating oral diseases while cosmetic dentistry deals with the overall aesthetic appearance of teeth. A dentist in South Melbourne is generally perfectly qualified to treat dental problems irrespective of their specialization in general or cosmetic dentistry. All dentists start as general dentists and can eventually become cosmetic dentists if they continue their training by attending programs dedicated to the cosmetic industry. General Dentistry General dentists address dental problems associated with pain, discomfort, and oral hygiene. Some of the general dentistry procedures typically performed by them include root canals, tooth extractions, and filling cavities. General dentists can also perform a limited range of cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and bonding. Cosmetic Dentistry A cosmetic dentist helps in making teeth’s appearance look better. In other words, cosmetic dentists are primarily concerned with the way teeth look. Cosmetic dentists usually perform the

2. following procedure – porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, inlays and Onlays, fixed implant, dentures, tooth-coloured fillings, and a smile makeover. Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry Enhanced Health Cosmetic dentistry hugely impacts overall health by successfully treating teeth problems and other oral conditions such as tooth decay that can be potentially life-threatening. It also protects against future dental issues. Dental crowns keep damaged teeth from further deterioration. Dental implants prevent damage to gums and bone. Affordable Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic dentistry is very affordable in recent times and people can accomplish their dream appearance without needing to weigh heavy in the pockets. General and Cosmetic Dentistry Overlapping Each Other While there are differences between general and cosmetic dentistry, sometimes the two overlap in certain situations. For instance, if a patient has a decaying tooth, the tooth needs to be extracted (general dentistry) to prevent the decay from spreading further. But upon extraction, the appearance of the smile is changed. The patient can opt to get porcelain veneers (cosmetic dentistry) to replace the missing tooth. Ultimately, it can be said that there is no definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry.