Dental Office In Framingham: Differences Between General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Office In Framingham

Dental Office In Framingham | Like many fields in medicine, dentistry contains a number of specialties. Some dental specialties include prosthodontists, periodontists, orthodontists and cosmetic dentists. The dentist that most people rely upon is often a general dentist. Let’s examine two different types of dentistry: general and cosmetic.

That way you can understand what to expect when you walk through the door of the dental office in Framingham.

General vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

A general dentist is able to handle a wide range of dental problems and provide numerous dental treatments, including things like:

dental office in Framingham | Woman with perfect teeth smiling.

  • Dental fillings
  • Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Root canal therapy

Cosmetic dentists are more focused on the appearance of the teeth, while general dentists have more of a focus on the health of teeth. But there is still some overlap between the two fields.

Dental Fillings

One of the most common types of procedures performed by general dentists are dental fillings. These are normally necessary whenever tooth decay has formed a cavity, or hole, in a tooth.

After numbing the tooth with an anesthetic, your dentist will drill into the tooth and completely remove any tooth decay and destroyed tooth material. They will then fill the space remaining using materials like composite, porcelain, or other materials.

As an example of where the two fields of general and cosmetic dentistry sometimes overlap, you may want to receive tooth-colored dental fillings. So you are receiving both a health benefit and a cosmetic one with just one treatment.

Porcelain Veneers

Moreover, porcelain veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry that is extremely popular right now among those looking to fix minor problems with their teeth, like minor chips and cracks.

A porcelain veneer is a very thin shell made of porcelain that your dentist will bond to the surface of your teeth. This material is known for being extremely strong and stain resistant.

At your first appointment, your general or cosmetic dentist will form an impression of your teeth that allows for the creation of a mold sent to a dental lab for the creation of your permanent porcelain veneers. The dentist may need to remove some tooth enamel  prior to placing your temporary veneers.

In addition, when your porcelain veneers are received back from the dental lab, your dentist will remove any temporary veneers and replace them with your permanent porcelain veneers.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is another type of treatment that is often provided by both general and cosmetic dentists. It involves the application of a whitening gel onto the surface of the teeth to whiten them several shades while you sit in the dentist chair. To conclude, the dentist may use a special lamp  in conjunction with the whitening agent to intensify its effects.

Your Consultation

Do you have in mind a general or cosmetic dental treatment for yourself? Do you need additional information about any dental procedures? Feel free to contact our dental office in Framingham at 508-620-1170 today. New patients are welcome.