Dental patients today who visit our San Bruno Dental Office are usually seeking a new dentist who not only makes them feel comfortable but can also provide a wide range of services that provide the patient with “one-stop” convenience.
General dentists are dedicated to preventing and providing treatment for cavities and gum disease. If you visit a general dentist and a problem is diagnosed, he or she will assess the best way to restore the tooth involved. On the other hand, cosmetic dentists specialize in performing largely elective dental procedures developed specifically to help make your smile more attractive. Cosmetic dentistry procedures available include teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, Invisalign invisible braces, veneers, inlays, and dental crowns.
There may be cases where a restorative procedure will include a cosmetic element of some type. For example, if one of our patients comes to our practice after sustaining a chipped front tooth, the tooth will need to be restored to preserve its structure and to prevent decay. Because of the chip, the tooth is not as sound structurally, and so it is much more vulnerable to further damage. In this hypothetical case, the tooth also affects the overall appearance of the smile. Depending on the extent and type of damage, there are several restorative options. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers (or Lumineers) and crowns are all used to repair a damaged tooth.
As you can see, there is not always a definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry. Our San Bruno California Dental Office, provides a full spectrum of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures in a state-of-the-art, comfortable environment. Please contact our office for further information or if you would like to schedule an appointment or a free consultation.
