Traditional and Cosmetic dentistry: Key Differences

Introduction

Although they sound similar, both branches of dentistry are unique and have a common goal: to enhance oral health and improve smiles. When looking to improve your smile, it’s important to understand the key differences between traditional and cosmetic dentistry, as they’re both unique in their approaches. 

Therefore, in this blog, we take a closer look at the difference between traditional and cosmetic dentistry in Texas via topics like:

• Cosmetic Vs. Traditional Dentistry: What Differenciates Them?
• Do Both Treatments Cost the Same?
• Cosmetic Vs. Traditional Dentistry – Key Differences
• Cosmetic Vs. Traditional Dentistry – What to Choose?
• Importance of Comprehensive Dental Care

So continue reading as we learn more about the differences in detail in the following sections. 

Cosmetic Vs. Traditional Dentistry: What Differenciates Them?

One key difference between cosmetic and traditional dentistry is their results. Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving smile aesthetics, targeting gums, smiles, and teeth. 

On the contrary, traditional dentistry focuses on restoring overall oral functioning and resolving oral health concerns. This branch of dentistry focuses on preventive care, mainly regular exams, routine cleanings, and treatments for gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues. 

Cosmetic Dentistry: Making Your Smile Shine Bright

Did you know? Nearly three-quarters (74%) of American adults feel unattractive due to their smiles. However, cosmetic dentistry becomes crucial for them. It enhances their teeth’ appearance while improving their smile using different oral procedures.

What You Can Expect?

• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening helps you whiten your smile by visible shades in one or two appointments.
• Dental Veneers: Veneers are coverings or shells designed to cover imperfections like gaps, chips, or disfigured teeth. 
• Bonding: Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to fix minor flaws and give you a smile makeover. 
• Smile Makeovers: These involve custom treatments focused on transforming your smile. 

However, it should be noted that cosmetic dentistry isn’t limited to looks. It is focused on giving you aesthetic appeal. 

Traditional Dentistry: Keeping Your Smile Healthy and Strong

Traditional dentistry is a practice that uses conventional techniques to achieve optimal oral health and the longevity of your smile. 

Here’s What They Do?

• Regular Cleanings and Check-ups: They help screen your cavity to detect possible issues early and prevent significant damage to your teeth. 
• Crowns and Fillings: Fillings and crowns fix cavities, restore damage to teeth, and restore oral health and function.
• Root Canals: A root canal procedure removes tooth pulp and seals the cavity to prevent further damage.
• Dental Hygiene Education: Regular oral education to help you brighten your smile.

Unlike cosmetic dentistry, traditional dentistry is focused on preventive care and treatments that help patients maintain a healthy smile over time. 

Do Both Treatments Cost the Same?

The cost of dental procedures performed by medical and cosmetic dentists, such as restoring a broken tooth or filling a cavity, may be similar. 

However, there are also cases in which various pricing for the same procedure exists. This is mainly because cosmetic dentists are focused on your smile’s aesthetics or appearance; therefore, they may employ more expensive materials that match your natural smile. 

A traditional dentist may use amalgam for a filling, whereas cosmetic dentists use composite material to match your tooth color. 

What Makes the Two Types of Dentistry Similar?

A strong, healthy tooth is often cosmetically pleasing, and cosmetic and general dentists frequently collaborate. Consider a circumstance involving tooth loss. 

Losing a tooth is a medical issue that can cause discomfort or difficulty eating, but it also alters your smile. As a result, you may require assistance from either sort of dentist.

Cosmetic Vs. Traditional Dentistry – Key Differences

To help you understand the primary difference between these two oral care, we’ve simplified the comparison with a table:

Cosmetic Vs. Traditional Dentistry – What to Choose?

Ultimately, the best alternative will depend on your priorities! 

First, consider your healthcare requirements. If your teeth are in a bad state, you may need to see a dentist in Navarro Dental Corsicana, TX, to get them healthy again. Those who do not have major cavities or oral diseases can typically choose between cosmetic and general dentists.

You should also consider the overall costs, aftercare, and treatment results. Traditional dentistry is the best option for a renewed smile. However, you will likely need to consult a cosmetic dentist for a bright, physically appealing smile. 

Importance of Comprehensive Dental Care

Whether you pick a cosmetic dentist, a regular dentist, or an orthodontist in Hoover, complete dental care is essential. Routine dental examinations, professional cleanings, and preventative measures are critical to good oral health.

Partnering with a reputable dental practitioner who knows your specific requirements and concerns will set you on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Whether fixing esthetic flaws, repairing dental misalignments, or maintaining oral cleanliness, your dental team is essential to keeping your smile’s beautiful and functioning.

How do you find the ideal oral practitioner? 

Finding the ideal oral practitioner can be overwhelming, especially with the numerous options. Therefore, in such situations, it is best to: 

• Check Reviews: Search the internet for the review of your chosen oral professionals. 

• Consider Location: Where are they located? Is the location in your vicinity (in case of an emergency)? 

• Consider Qualifications: What’s the highest qualification of your chosen dentist?

• Talk for Recommendations: Don’t overlook the recommendations made by your family and friends. 

Takeaway

• Partnering with a reputable dental practitioner who knows your specific requirements and concerns will set you on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
• Whether you pick a cosmetic dentist, a regular dentist, or an orthodontist in Hoover, complete dental care is essential. 
• Those who do not have major cavities or oral diseases can typically choose between cosmetic and general dentists.
• Stil confused about the possibilities of a great smile? Visit our experts at the Navarro Dental Center today!