Imagine visiting your dentist to address a toothache or get regular cleaning and transform your smile into a dazzling show-stopper. While 95% of dental procedures are restorative or preventive, the remainder enhances your smile’s aesthetic appeal. Welcome to the world of cosmetic dentistry!
While dentistry traditionally focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral diseases, cosmetic dentistry elevates the field to an art form. The emphasis shifts to improvement in dental aesthetics in terms of color, position, shape, size, alignment, and overall smile appearance. In this comprehensive article, we’ll differentiate between general and cosmetic dentistry and explore the specific services offered under each category.
What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry prioritizes oral health and the functionality of the teeth. This includes a wide variety of procedures and treatments, many of which are commonly practiced at the Cain Dentures Center in Hillsboro, Oregon.
- Dental Examinations
Dental examinations are the cornerstone of general dentistry. They are instrumental in diagnosing potential issues before they develop into serious complications. According to the American Dental Association, 77% of Americans had a dental check-up in 2016, underlining its significance in preventative dental care.
- Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings are integral to general dentistry, aiming to maintain oral health by removing plaque and tartar buildup. Statistics reveal that over 127.6 million U.S. adults visit dental professionals for cleanings each year.
- X-rays and Diagnostic Imaging
X-rays and diagnostic imaging offer a window into the unseen areas of the mouth, detecting issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. The American Dental Association reports that dentists take over 500 million x-rays annually in the U.S.
- Fillings
Dental fillings restore teeth damaged by decay. In the U.S., about 200 million fillings are placed yearly, underscoring their importance in preserving tooth structure and function.
- Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges are crucial for restoring and protecting damaged teeth or replacing missing teeth. Nearly 2.3 million implant-supported crowns are made annually in the U.S.
- Dentures
Dentures offer a solution for extensive tooth loss. Around 15% of edentulous patients opt for complete dentures annually.
- Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a sturdy, long-term solution for tooth replacement. A 2020 study revealed that about 5.5 million implants were placed in the U.S., demonstrating their growing popularity.
- Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy saves severely infected or decayed teeth. Dentists perform an estimated 22 million root canals each year in the U.S.
- Oral Health Education
Oral health education is critical in preventing dental diseases by promoting oral hygiene practices and dietary habits beneficial for oral health.
Types of Cosmetic Dental Work
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the visual appeal of teeth. Below are some common cosmetic procedures we specialize in at the Cain Dentures Center.
- Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure, with over 37 million Americans using teeth whiteners in 2020. It eliminates stains and lightens teeth, improving the overall aesthetics of your smile.
- Veneers
Veneers are custom-made shells covering the front surface of teeth, providing a dramatically improved appearance. They’re especially popular among celebrities, with about 600,000 people undergoing this procedure every year.
- Dental Bonding
Dental bonding corrects defects and imperfections using a tooth-colored resin. It’s an economical and versatile cosmetic procedure, with around 4 million dental bonding procedures performed annually in the U.S.
- Dental Contouring
Dental contouring involves reshaping teeth to improve their appearance. Though data on its prevalence is limited, its popularity is growing due to its minimally invasive nature and immediate results.
At Cain Dentures Center, we understand that your smile is one of your greatest assets. That’s why we’re dedicated to offering high-quality denturist services, transforming your oral health and enhancing your smile. Our team of skilled professionals uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure every patient leaves our office with a smile they can’t wait to show off.
Don’t you deserve a smile that reflects your inner beauty and confidence? Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile. With Cain Dentures Center, the smile of your dreams is well within reach.
