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What’s the Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry and General Dentistry?

See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics provides cosmetic and general dentistry services to patients in and around Santa Barbara, CA. One frequently asked question we receive is from patients who are curious about the difference between cosmetic and general dentistry. Here, we will cover cosmetic and general dentistry in detail to help clear up any confusion you may have!

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

One common misconception is that cosmetic dentistry is purely about looks. While it improves your smile's appearance, it also provides a functional purpose. For example, missing teeth not only create a gap in your smile, but they can cause the remaining teeth to shift, contributing to a cascade of oral health problems. Therefore, cosmetic dentistry not only enhances the aesthetics of your teeth, mouth, and gums, but it wards off other serious dental issues.

What Cosmetic Procedures Does See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics Provide?

See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics offers several cosmetic dentistry procedures. Some of the cosmetic dentistry options provided by our dental office in Santa Barbara, CA include the following:

If you are unsure which option is best for you, there is no need to worry. At See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics, Dr. Omid Barkhordar specializes in cosmetic dentistry. See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics will be happy to assess your unique situation and offer our expert guidance.

Are Braces Considered a Cosmetic Procedure?

Braces do not fall under cosmetic or general dentistry. Though they improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth, they remain under the specialty of orthodontics. Orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on misalignments. For example, shifted teeth may give you a crooked smile, but they can also contribute to an unbalanced bite, the development of TMJ, and difficulty eating, chewing, and speaking correctly. The strain can also cause facial pain and tension. Therefore, even though there is some overlap, orthodontics is differentiated from cosmetic and general dentistry. At See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics, Dr. Hamid Barkhordar is an orthodontic specialist who is an expert in metal braces, porcelain ceramic braces, and Invisalign® braces.

What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?

The benefits of cosmetic dentistry are two-fold, simultaneously enhancing the appearance and functionality of your smile. If you are not satisfied with the way your teeth and mouth look or function, cosmetic dentistry can help you resume daily activities with a renewed sense of self-confidence.

How Do I Know if Cosmetic Dentistry is the Best Choice for Me?

Cosmetic dentistry may be right for you if you are concerned about the color, shape, size, and position of your teeth. If your bite is not aligned, there are gaps between your teeth, or your teeth are stained, chipped, or worn, cosmetic dentistry from See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics can help you improve the look and function of your teeth, mouth, and gums.

What is General Dentistry?

A general dentist is the main dentist you see when you make your annual dental exam and cleaning appointments. General dentistry is focused on preserving your teeth and diagnosing and treating dental issues. In essence, general dentistry places emphasis on strong and healthy teeth. At See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics, Dr. Omid and Dr. Hamid both provide general dentistry services.

What General Dentistry Services Does See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics Offer?

See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics provides an array of general dentistry services for residents of southern California. These services focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and they include the following:

Having a general dentist is vital to maintaining the health and integrity of your teeth, mouth, and gums. See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics provides general dentistry services despite your age or stage in life, offering family dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and dental care during pregnancy.

What Benefits Are Associated with General Dentistry?

Benefits associated with general dentistry include healthy teeth, mouth, and gums. Also, good oral health keeps cavities at bay, reducing the need for composite fillings or more comprehensive procedures like teeth extractions and root canals. It also protects against gingivitis and periodontal disease. Since oral health is related to general wellness and the immune system, general dentistry enhances an individual’s wellbeing. Keeping up with annual dental exams and routine cleanings, in addition to regular brushing and flossing, is one of the best ways to maintain oral health.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry More Expensive Than General Dentistry?

In some cases, cosmetic dentistry may be more expensive than general dentistry. This is often due to the fact that dental insurance companies may consider it elective instead of necessary. Thus, cosmetic dentistry may be associated with higher out-of-pocket costs. However, some insurance companies will cover cosmetic procedures that also restore the structure and function of the teeth, mouth, and gums. If you do not have dental insurance, See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics provides cost-effective dental solutions that meet residents' budgets in southern California.

Are You Ready to Make an Appointment at See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics?

Though there is indeed some overlap between cosmetic and general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry focuses on beautifying your smile while enhancing its functionality. Conversely, general dentistry includes preventative methods, cleaning, checkups, as well as diagnosing and treating dental issues. Whether you need cosmetic or general dentistry services, See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics is here for you. Our dental office is located in Santa Barbara, CA, and we proudly serve the residents of southern California by offering cost-effective dental solutions that fit your budget and needs. We will work with you on an individual basis, so do not hesitate to reach out today!

To schedule your consultation appointment at See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics and find out how cosmetic and general dentistry can transform your smile, simply contact us or call (805) 284-0826!

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