Preventive vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

Although every dentist’s primary goal is your mouth’s healthy structure and function, there are many specialties within their field. During the regular bi-monthly appointments with dental practitioners, preventative dentistry usually transpires. Many clients can prevent referrals to more costly and invasive restorative or cosmetic procedures with correct preventive dental care.

There are many fields of expertise in dental care, but only preventive and cosmetic dentistry will be reviewed in this article. Continue reading to learn more about these fields.

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is also called preventative or general dentistry. As the name suggests, it implies any approaches to preventing dental issues. You typically hear of the term at a dental clinic or being discussed online; it’s not a very common term to regular people due to the scientific nature it encompasses.

The main focus of preventive dentistry is to keep you from having any oral concerns like tartar, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues. You might be practicing good dental hygiene at home to keep your teeth healthy; however, there are things that only your Brenner Dental Group specialist can handle to maintain excellent dental health.

The majority of dental practitioners advise dental exams and good dental services Southampton every six months; at these visits, your dentist will likely perform the following procedures:

Examine your teeth, gum tissues, tongue, and other mouth areas for any issues.
Perform teeth cleaning Southampton to get rid of plaque and tartar deposits.
Conduct screening for indications of oral cancer and other health conditions.
May suggest applying specialized procedures such as fluoride treatment.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry deals with improving the general appearance of your teeth. Although the treatments usually are optional instead of a need, some procedures can likewise provide corrective benefits. Here are some standard cosmetic procedures:

Inlays and Onlays – this treatment is likewise referred to as indirect fillings, which a dental laboratory makes. This is used when a tooth has mild to moderate decay and inadequate structure to support filling. Nevertheless, if a considerable section of the tooth is damaged, dental onlay is used to cover the tooth’s entire surface.
Bonding – refers to repairing decayed, damaged, or stained teeth using a material with the same enamel shade. The procedure involves drilling out dental caries, applying the composite on the tooth’s surface, and rounding off with high-intensity light curing.
Veneers – usually made from medical-grade ceramic, dental veneers are customized caps that go over your natural teeth. It looks so realistic that it’s often used to solve cosmetic issues such as uneven or cracked teeth, noticeable gaps between two teeth, etc.
Teeth Whitening – teeth might get a darker discoloration from foods, drinks, or clinical conditions over the years. A dental hygienist will initially remove plaque, tartar, and other particles from your teeth; to resolve discoloration, the hygienist will apply some bleach agents to achieve a lighter shade than the previous shade of your teeth.
Braces – aim to straighten out misaligned teeth because straighter teeth are often healthier and easier to take care of. Orthodontists usually use metal materials for braces to slowly tighten teeth back.
Implants – are used to replace lost or damaged teeth. A small titanium screw is inserted into the jaw at the gap site; this functions as a support to the crown. These implants are virtually indistinguishable from surrounding natural teeth.

Conclusion

Many dentists practice preventative or general dentistry; some specialize further in cosmetic, restorative, or implant dentistry. Going to a visit with dentists could be a little daunting. However, a little research on what they do and what to expect for particular treatments will help you relax, and you’re less likely to visualize an uncomfortable procedure.

A good dentist will always be conscious that you don’t have stressful experiences because he always wants you to return and entrust your oral care to him.