Can General Dentistry Help Give You a Brighter Smile? (2024)

General dentistry is concerned with the oral health of patients, but some treatments can offer cosmetic benefits as well. Read on to learn more. There are several ways general dentists can improve the appearance of a patient's smile. One way, which creates a brighter smile and removes stains, is professional teeth whitening.

How can general dentistry improve the brightness of my smile?

Every general dentist offers their own set of services, and some offer a more comprehensive list of cosmetic treatments. However, many general dentists offer in-office whitening procedures, in addition to other treatments that aim to restore the appearance of a patient’s smile by targeting stains and addressing gum and tooth damage.

Remove plaque and bacteria

Perhaps the simplest way general dentistry can brighten a patient's smile is through regular teeth cleaning. This procedure, which is recommended to be performed once every four to six months, removes plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line. This can improve the shade of teeth as well as offer other notable benefits such as improving the patient’s breath and oral health.

Whiten the visible surface of teeth

Many general dentists now offer professional, in-office teeth whitening. This service is designed to brighten the color of teeth by multiple shades and remove minor to moderate stains. If teeth are severely stained, then the general dentist may recommend dental veneers or crowns to restore the ideal shade of visible teeth.

Treat tooth damage

Tooth damage not only presents an oral health concern, but it can also affect the beauty of your smile. Many general dentists offer treatment to repair tooth damage, such as dental crowns, tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, and dental veneers. They can choose the most aesthetically pleasing treatment solution to ensure a bright and beautiful smile.

Improve gum health

Much of the focus with cosmetic dental services is on the appearance of the teeth. However, the appearance of gums is also important for showing off a great smile. General dentistry can improve gum health by treating and preventing gum disease and consequently reducing the risk of concerns that could affect a person’s smile, such as gum discoloration, swollen gums, and gum recession. In addition, healthy gums can also help freshen breath and keep teeth healthy.

Help create a symmetrical smile

Many general dentistry practices offer treatments to straighten teeth and jaw misalignments, providing the patient with a more symmetrical smile. In addition, there are cosmetic services such as dental bonding and dental veneers that can lengthen short teeth and correct misshapen teeth. These services are designed to provide a symmetrical smile and fix teeth that appear uneven, along with offering oral health and functional benefits as well.