What is dentistry? Individuals may think that dentistry is merely brushing teeth, flossing, teeth whitening, and taking care of gums in addition to general oral care.

The truth is that these are all relevant aspects of dentistry and are certainly quite important regularly. But dentistry from the viewpoint of professionals will be a bit more nuanced.

It is a bit more nuanced because these professionals provide various dental services that will account for the problems at hand. They may need to provide general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and general dental care in Edmonton, AB.

Remember that dentistry is the assessment, provision of treatment, and mitigation of issues that may occur in your mouth. Recall that effective dental services will be critical for proper health and ensuring a higher quality of life.

It would follow that dental services can break down into different categories depending on the problem and the particular issues dental patients face.

If you are looking for help with cosmetic dentistry or regular dental options, we are here for you. We readily accept new patients throughout Edmonton AB for cosmetic, restorative, preventive, and emergency dental services. Book your appointment, or feel free to take advantage of our emergency walk-in services today.

If you are wondering about the difference between cosmetic dentistry and regular dental work in Edmonton, AB, here is what you need to know.

How is Cosmetic Dentistry Different from Regular Dental Options?

A few years ago, the dental practice was limited to teeth checkups, oral hygiene, dental pains extracting bad teeth, and other general oral procedures. However, dental practices have become broad over the years and have different areas people specialize in, including cosmetic dentistry.

People specializing in regular dental works are concerned with treating oral ailments without giving special attention to the teeth’ physical appearance or aesthetic. Although there are similarities between the scope of work of a regular dentist and a cosmetic dentist, there are some differences.

These differences will tell you who to visit on your next dental appointment based on your oral health needs.

Regular Dental Work Options

Here is a quick overview of dental work options.

  • Root canals
  • Tooth extraction
  • Filling cavities.

Cosmetic Dentistry

It is the aspect that deals with the physical appearance of the teeth. They focus on improving the aesthetics in shape, size, color, alignment, and how it affects your smile appearance.

Cosmetic dentists are trained to perform better aesthetics-related treatments such as bonding, porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, teeth whitening, reshaping, or smile makeovers.

They make your smile “camera ready.”

While other general dental options focus more on the functionality of your teeth and making sure they are healthy and robust. They prevent and treat oral disease.

Common cosmetic dentistry options include the following; 

Dental bonding

It is done by cosmetic dentists to repair cracked, decayed, chipped, or broken teeth. Dental bonding can also use to lengthen a tooth that is shorter than the others. It might or might not require anesthesia, depending on the tooth location. The color of the composite used is similar to the teeth so that it looks natural and is still pleasing to the eyes. 

Dental veneers

They are custom-made caps that are placed over your natural teeth. They solve some cosmetic problems like brown teeth, crooked teeth, or damaged enamel. They are pretty different from dental implants or crowns. Veneers cover the tooth’s front surface, while regular dentists can do implants to replace the entire tooth. 

Teeth Whitening

Over time, the food and drinks we take stain our teeth and leave behind plaque that changes its color from being bright. This cosmetic procedure removes plaque, tartar, and other debris from each tooth’s surface, restoring its natural appearance. It is then followed by bleaching the teeth with bleaching agents to get a white color or more original color. Regular dentists can also do this. 

Smile makeover 

It is a combination of one or more cosmetic options, with the primary goal being to improve your smile. It is done to unique considerations, including skin color, teeth specifications, lips, hair color, and gum tissue. 

Enamel Shaping 

It is also called contouring, and it usually doesn’t require anesthesia. It involves shaping the teeth to improve their appearance. They are generally used to correct minor imperfections. Enamel Shaping can combine with other cosmetic options. 

  • Others include; inlays and outlays, fixed implants, dentures, and tooth-colored fillings.

Differences between Cosmetic Dentistry and Regular Dentistry Professionals

Here are a few aspects that you will notice regarding the differences between cosmetic dentistry professionals and general dentistry professionals.

Based on training

In a broad sense, both a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist have the same first-hand training. They have the same degrees at first and can carry out general treatments such as regular checkups, fillings, and dental crowns. They can also fix cavities and repair teeth.

You can also get hygiene appointments and teeth whitening treatment in either type of office.

In addition to this general training, cosmetic dentists have additional training that makes them capable of aesthetics-related treatment. All dentists start as general dentists, and a cosmetic dentist can still offer regular dental options. 

Based on Cost

The difference in cost is based on the materials used for the procedure. For example, cosmetic dentistry usually might be a little more pricey because specifying to improve your look and preserving aesthetics might mean using unique dental supplies.

Based on procedure

Another difference between cosmetic dentistry and other regular dental options is that while a regular dentist can fill your cavity, the cosmetic dentist will concentrate on how your teeth will look after the cavity has been filled.

They will account for each step of the procedure, from filling material to how it is carried out, to ensure that the end is still as aesthetic as possible. It means that the cosmetic dentist has an extra edge over the regular dentist even while carrying out the traditional dental options.

Another example is when getting a crown; in cosmetic dentistry, the goal should be to contribute to your mouth’s entire look. It applies to all other regular dental options.

It means that the cosmetic dentist may have an extra edge over the regular dentist even while carrying out the regular dental options.

Another example is when getting a crown. In cosmetic dentistry, the goal should be that it contributes to the entire look of your mouth. It applies to all other regular dental options. 

Cosmetic dental professionals will want to pay attention to your oral health while ensuring that you have a brighter smile.

Contact Us Today

Just the way you visit a cosmetic surgeon when you’re worried about how your body looks, or you need a scar removal or a little enhancement, you should see a cosmetic dentist if you’re concerned about how your teeth look.

Visiting a cosmetic dentist will give you the highest aesthetic quality result. If, on the other hand, you are only concerned about the general health of your teeth, you can visit a regular dentist.

When scheduling your appointment, your choice should be based on the goals and needs of your oral health, preventive services, cosmetic services, restorative services, or overall health concerns. Do extensive research and discuss the treatment you want before starting with either the cosmetic dentist or regular dentist. 

Now, remember that some dental offices will provide both general dentistry and cosmetic dental services. The reason will do so is that they want to account for the needs of all patients in places like Edmonton, Alberta.

If you are looking for help in cosmetic dentistry or general dental procedures, reach out to Edmonton Smiles today.

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