What is the Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist?

We all know that visiting the dentist on a regular basis is important for our oral health and hygiene. But did you know that dental health has a direct impact on your overall wellness?

Securing the right kind of dental appointment is one of the first steps in protecting your health, while also ensuring that you feel confident and happy with your smile. So, how do you know which kind of appointment you need to book? In this blog, we spoke to our own Essex dentists about dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, identifying the differences and the impact both types of treatment have on overall health and dental hygiene.

Traditional Dentistry: What Does it Involve?

General dentistry, also known as traditional dentistry, involves everything to do with structure and health of your overall mouth and the teeth inside it. Dentists carry out everything from emergency appointments to fillings, tooth removal services, the diagnosis of tooth sensitivity and preventative treatment, and regular check-ups. They also work alongside hygienists to tackle oral health, ensuring that patients are brushing and flossing regularly, and that the teeth are in good shape to support overall wellness.

A dentist is then the most likely to refer you on for more specific dental work, according to the health of your own smile and any specific treatments it needs. This could cover anything from orthodontic work to advanced dentistry and implants, or indeed cosmetic dentistry.

When Might You Need a Cosmetic Dentist?

A cosmetic dentist deals with anything that’s aesthetic in its intention. These are not necessarily services that are required for dental health but instead improve the look of a patient’s smile and give them the gift of confidence.

Some of the core services that are grouped under a cosmetic heading include veneers, teeth whitening, composite bonding, and bridges. You will notice that some of these do benefit the functionality of teeth as well as their appearance, for example, composite bonding, which enhances the uniformity of teeth in appearance but also makes them easier to use for biting and chewing. However, these are considered cosmetic, nonetheless.

How Do I Know Which Dentist I Need?

The best place to start, if you don’t know what type of dentistry you need, is with a regular dental appointment.

An early consultation or initial visit will allow you to discuss your concerns and goals with the dentist, so that they can recommend the best course of treatment. This will also ensure that all cosmetic dental work carried out is done with an eye to oral health and hygiene, too.

To book an appointment with a cosmetic dentist Chelmsford patients recommend, get in touch with the team directly, and we will help guide you towards the right team. You can alternatively visit our site for more information on fees, NHS patient availability, and the different services we offer.

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