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 bonding, 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. For example, this may mean teeth contouring to help a healthy tooth better match the surrounding teeth 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.
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 Houston, TX
There are many cosmetic dental services that may give you the smile of your dreams. For more information, call our Houston dental office. Schedule your first appointment today.
Request an appointment or call Poindexter Dental, Inc. at 713-244-5501 for an appointment in our Houston office.
Being dissatisfied with your teeth can affect your self-esteem and how you present yourself to the world, but fortunately, cosmetic dental services can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. In this guide, we discuss the transformative potential of cosmetic dental services, including dental veneers, bonding, and orthodontics.A healthy smile is more than just…
Many patients have issues with the appearance of their smile. Whether looking to fix a chipped tooth, whiten your teeth, or completely transform your smile, cosmetic dental services offer a wide range of solutions. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, you may have some questions about these services and how they can benefit your oral…
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…