Restorative vs Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s the Difference?
Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry are two different types of dental care. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of teeth, while restorative dentistry focuses on fixing problems with teeth. Many people don’t know the difference between the two, so they get the wrong type of treatment. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between cosmetic and restorative dentistry and how each one works.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is the branch of dental care that focuses on fixing problems with teeth. This can include anything from fillings and crowns to implants and bridges. If you have a cavity, a chipped tooth, or any other type of damage to your teeth, restorative dentistry can help. Restorative dentistry is also used to treat gum disease and other oral health problems. It essentially focuses on restoring the health of your mouth.
Restorative dentistry procedures commonly include:
- Fillings: Fillings are used to fill in cavities and other damage to teeth. They can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, composite resin, and porcelain.
- Crowns: Crowns cover up damaged or misshapen teeth and can also support dental bridges. Crowns can be made from a choice of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal.
- Bridges: Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth attached to existing teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal.
- Implants: Implants are used to replace missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth that are surgically implanted into the jawbone.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dental care that focuses on the appearance of teeth. This can include anything from teeth whitening and bonding to veneers and braces. If you want to improve the look of your smile, cosmetic dentistry can help. Cosmetic dentistry procedures most commonly include:
- Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening is a procedure to lighten the colour of teeth. It’s not the same as white spot removal from teeth.
- Bonding: Bonding is a procedure to fix cracks, chips, and other damage to teeth. It involves using a composite resin material to repair the tooth.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to cover up the front surfaces of teeth. They can improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, chipped, or misshapen.
- Braces: Braces are devices that straighten teeth. Depending on how much your teeth need to be straightened, your dentist may advise you to consider Invisalign braces.
- Contouring: Contouring is a procedure to reshape teeth. It involves using a drill or other tool to remove excess tooth material.
Related Reading: 7 Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Life
Elective vs Essential Care
Cosmetic dentistry procedures are elective, meaning they are unnecessary for oral health. Restorative dentistry procedures are essential, which means that — you guessed it — they are necessary for oral health. Many insurance plans cover restorative dentistry but not cosmetic dentistry.
If you are considering getting dental work done, it is important to consult with a dentist to find out what type of care you need. Cosmetic dentistry can be a great way to improve the appearance of your smile, but it is not always necessary. Restorative dentistry can help to fix problems with teeth and improve oral health. Choose the type of care that is right for you based on your needs.
Different Dental Materials used for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
There are a variety of different dental materials used for cosmetic and restorative dentistry. The type of material used will depend on the procedure being done, plus the preference of the dentist and patient.
Some of the most common dental materials include:
- Porcelain: Porcelain is a ceramic often used for cosmetic dentistry procedures. It is available in various colours, making it a good choice for matching your natural teeth. Porcelain is also strong and durable, making it a good choice for long-term wear.
- Composite resin: Composite resin is an artificial material that consists of plastic and glass particles. It is often used for bonding and cosmetic fillings. Composite resin is also available in your choice of colour, making it easy to match to your teeth.
- Metal: Metal is a strong and durable material often used for crowns and bridges. It is available in silver, gold, and titanium.
- Ceramic: Ceramic is a material made from clay. It is commonly used for veneers (popular with the celebrity crowd) and braces. Ceramic is available in a variety of colours, making it a good choice for blending in with your teeth.
No two smiles are the same, so your dentist should discuss your options, making it easier to choose the dental material that is right for you.
Cosmetic vs Restorative Dentistry: Which Is Right for You?
Now that you know the difference between cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can decide which type of care is right for you. If your teeth need to be fixed, restorative dentistry may be right for you. If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, cosmetic dentistry may be right for you.
If you’re considering getting dental work done, consult with a dentist to discuss your options.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry a Good Idea?
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, it’s important to consult with a cosmetic dentist to find out if it’s the right choice. Cosmetic dentistry is not right for everyone, and it’s crucial to understand the risks and benefits before making a decision.
Some of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry include:
- Improved appearance: Cosmetic dentistry can enhance the appearance of your smile.
- Increased confidence: Cosmetic dentistry can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
- Improved oral health: Cosmetic dentistry can also improve your oral health by correcting problems with your teeth, making it harder for bacteria and plaque to build up.
Cosmetic dentistry is a personal decision, and it’s vital to make an informed decision before proceeding. Talk to your dentist about the risks and benefits of cosmetic dentistry to help you make an informed decision.
Who Needs Restorative Dentistry?
If you have a problem with your teeth that needs to be fixed, restorative dentistry may be right for you. Some common issues that can be fixed with restorative dentistry include:
- Cavities: Cavities are holes in your teeth that can be caused by tooth decay. Restorative dentistry can fix cavities by filling them with composite resin, metal, or ceramic.
- Broken teeth: If you have a broken tooth, restorative dentistry can fix it by bonding it back together or placing a crown on it.
- Missing teeth: If you have missing teeth, restorative dentistry can replace them with implants, bridges, or dentures.
Do You Need a Cosmetic Dentist in Bournemouth?
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, it’s important to consult with a cosmetic dentist to find out if it’s the right choice for you. Cosmetic dentistry is not right for everyone, and it’s essential to understand the risks and benefits before making a decision.
A cosmetic dentist can help you decide if cosmetic dentistry is right for you. They will consider your individual needs and goals to help you make an informed decision. If you choose to proceed with cosmetic dentistry, they will be able to provide you with the care you need.
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AUTHOR
Dr Gareth Edwards BDS (Hons) MFDS RCPS (Glasg) is a Poole and Bournemouth-based dentist who qualified with honours. He has a keen interest in aesthetic dentistry and orthodontics. For more information, click here.
