Cosmetic dentistry is a term used to describe dental services that focus primarily on the aesthetic of your smile as opposed to the functionality of it, while general dentistry includes a wider range of treatments and procedures designed to prevent, treat, or correct oral conditions or irregularities. Cosmetic and general dentistry often overlap and complement each other.
A healthy smile doesn’t always mean a Hollywood-worthy appearance, and a star-studded smile doesn’t always mean it’s healthy, but for many people, having a beautiful smile is just as important as having a healthy one. Cosmetic and general dentistry work together to help ensure your smile is not only clean, healthy, and properly aligned, but also straight, smooth, and brilliant.
At Dental Depot of Kansas City, we’re committed to helping our patients discover their healthiest, most beautiful smile with comprehensive dental care services designed to help your smile look and function at its best. Our team of experienced dental professionals are trained in both cosmetic and general dentistry procedures, so you can receive all the care you need from the same familiar provider. Moreover, we understand how to integrate and complement general and cosmetic dentistry techniques for more complete oral health care you’ll enjoy for a lifetime.
A general dentist is the dental health professional most people will see first and most often. They are the front-line dentists addressing people’s regular checkup needs and routine oral health care.
In contrast to general dentistry, which focuses more on preventing and treating oral conditions to preserve your dental health, cosmetic dentistry specializes in improving the aesthetic and appearance of a smile that is–ideally–already healthy.
The majority of cosmetic dentistry procedures are considered elective because they are not necessary for or effective in treating important dental health problems like cavities, decay, infection, or misalignment. However, cosmetic dentistry can give people who are unhappy with their smile greater confidence and self-esteem in their appearance. A healthy smile isn’t always necessarily flawless, but cosmetic dentistry can help give you a smile you’ve always wanted by correcting irregularities or aesthetic imperfections like:
Moreover, in addition to improving the appearance of your smile, many cosmetic dentistry procedures can also help improve the health of it. For example, fixing gaps with dental bonding or veneers can make it easier to keep your teeth clean while dental bonding can help reduce sensitivity and restore strength and durability.
Although many general dentists may specialize in a specific area like endodontics or prosthodontics, there is no designated specialty for cosmetic dentistry. However, most general dentists–including those at Dental Depot of Kansas City–have the training and experience to provide quality cosmetic dentistry services, and often include them in their regular service offerings. For example, in addition to routine cleanings, x-rays, and fillings or root canals, your general dentist can also offer you professional teeth whitening, veneers, and dental bonding.
Many dental procedures can be both restorative and cosmetic, and are categorized as one or the other depending on the intent of the procedures, such as composite or tooth-colored fillings instead of amalgam, dental crowns, and certain dental surgeries.
Regardless of whether you’re receiving a general or cosmetic dentistry service, it’s important to seek care from a licensed dental professional who is certified through an ADA-accredited program. This ensures that the provider you are seeing can also diagnose, treat, and prevent any oral health conditions they may find in your smile while also improving the appearance.
While dental insurance will cover all or most of many preventive or restorative general dentistry procedures, it will likely not cover cosmetic procedures, since they are typically considered elective and not essential for improving or preserving oral health. However, there are some services that, if claimed as medically necessary by your dentist, may be covered by your insurance, including:
Before beginning any cosmetic dentistry, your dentist should perform a thorough oral health evaluation to ensure your mouth and teeth are healthy enough for cosmetic work, then create a detailed treatment plan that includes any and all services, as well as their cost. Where treatment may be necessary for preserving oral health and function, your cosmetic dentistry may be covered by your insurance, so be sure and ask.
At Dental Depot of Kansas City, we offer a range of affordable cosmetic and general dentistry services, as well as flexible financing and payment options to help you afford the treatments you need for a beautiful, healthy smile.
At Dental Depot of Kansas City, we believe everyone deserves to have a beautiful, healthy smile they love to show off. From routine cleanings and checkups to Invisalign clear aligners, professional teeth whitening, and more, Dental Depot of Kansas City provides the comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry services you and your family need for smiles that are healthy, happy, and bright.
Dental Depot of Kansas City is part of one of the fastest-growing doctor-owned dental support organizations (DSOs) in the country. With two locations in Blue Springs and Independence, flexible scheduling, and common-sense pricing and payment options, we’re able to deliver high-quality, comprehensive dental care services to more people throughout the Kansas City Metro area. Visit us today and find out how Dental Depot of Kansas City can help you and your family achieve your best oral health!
Taking charge of your oral health can feel overwhelming, but the team of caring professionals and specialists at Dental Depot can help you rediscover the confidence that comes with a healthy smile. We believe everyone deserves quality care regardless of their current condition or their budget, and we make it easy, convenient, and affordable for you and everyone in your family to get all the dental services you need for a healthier, happier life. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you enjoy good oral health for all the tomorrows to come.
