While people often confuse general and cosmetic dental services, they are not the same. For instance, general dentists and cosmetic dentists hold the same degree. However, cosmetic dentists have additional training in improving a smile's appearance through professional teeth whitening, dental veneers, and other cosmetic treatments. If you want a radiant, picture-perfect smile, cosmetic dentistry may help you achieve it.
General dentistry deals with the health of the teeth and the mouth as a whole. To maintain good oral health, a patient visiting a general dentist may receive a routine dental cleaning, oral exam, and dental X-rays. A general dentist may treat any minor to moderate issues, such as tooth decay (cavities) or gum disease (gingivitis). Dental bonding and fillings are common. A more severe oral health issue may require a root canal or other type of oral surgery.
On the other hand, cosmetic dentists do not provide routine preventative or restorative dental procedures. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on how the smile looks. This may mean teeth whitening to remove discoloration and stains for some patients. Others may want to make their smile more even or less crooked. There are numerous cosmetic dental services patients may choose from.
A cosmetic dentist may remove a variety of stains on the teeth, such as from food, drink, aging, or other factors. While there is in-office teeth whitening, many patients prefer an at-home teeth whitening kit. The dentist will take impressions of the teeth to create whitening trays custom-made for each patient. These kits will also include professional-grade whitening gel, which is stronger and of better quality than over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments.
Cracked and chipped teeth are a common reason for visiting a cosmetic dentist, as they have a few options to restore them. Dental bonding is a composite resin that may be applied to the teeth to restore minor chips and cracks. (General dentists also use bonding to fill cavities.) A dental crown may be a better option for deeper cracks and chips. This is a tooth-shaped cap cemented on top of the damaged tooth. The dentist will first shape the natural tooth to ensure it will remain healthy and stable beneath the crown.
Severely cracked and chipped teeth typically need a more intensive cosmetic treatment. The most common are tooth-colored shells called dental veneers. Veneers fit over the front of the teeth, effectively and permanently restoring them.
Dental veneers and bonding may also help correct an uneven smile. Tooth contouring is another option, in which a cosmetic dentist sculpts the outermost tooth layer (enamel) to change the smile's overall appearance. This is an effective option for patients with crooked teeth or teeth that are too long, pointed, or have bulges in the enamel.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dental Services in Culver City, CA
There are many cosmetic dental services that may give you the smile of your dreams. For more information, call our Culver City dental office. Schedule your first appointment today.
Request an appointment or call Culver City Dental at 310-272-5405 for an appointment in our Culver City office.
If you are tired of imperfections in your smile, there is a way to improve its appearance. There are a range of cosmetic dental services to help you achieve a picture-perfect smile. Some services also effectively restore function to the teeth, such as if there are minor chips or hairline cracks. From providing whiter teeth…
Almost anyone who wants to improve their smile can benefit from cosmetic dental services. Today's technology allows dentists to improve teeth' shape, color, and alignment and even fix imperfections in the enamel and gumline. If there is something you want to change about your teeth, chances are you can. Discover the potential of cosmetic dentistry…
Are you considering cosmetic dental services to enhance your smile? Read on to learn more about how to discuss your goals with your dentist. A beautiful smile is attractive. In this age of instant messaging and selfies, our smiles are the first and last impressions we make. The popularity of cosmetic dental services has grown.…
Dentists regularly field questions about wisdom teeth from patients and young patients’ parents. If you are approaching the age when extracting these teeth is common, you may be curious as well. There are a lot of reasons why dental professionals recommend removing these molars. As you understand more about these teeth, you may realize why…
If you have wisdom teeth coming in, it may be a good idea to talk to your dentist. Removing these teeth might be the right option so that you can avoid pain and discomfort. There often is not enough space for these teeth to grow in properly. This creates a host of concerns and health…