Restorative and cosmetic dentistry are dental disciplines that offer similar services. However, they serve distinct purposes and treatment goals. Understanding the differences between a restorative dentist and a cosmetic dentist can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.
Restorative dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses primarily on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. Restorative dentists aim to restore a patient's oral function and structural integrity. This type of dental care also includes any preventative or corrective options that can help patients protect their teeth against decay, damage, and disease. In addition, restorative dentistry can improve the smile's appearance.
Some common restorative dentistry procedures include:
Restorative procedures typically fall into two categories: direct and indirect. Direct tooth restoration is when the restorative dentist fixes a cavity with a dental filling. This type of treatment only takes one visit, and the dentist will consider chewing pressure when determining what type of filling to use.
In contrast, indirect tooth restoration involves partial tooth replacement (inlays or onlays) or complete tooth replacement (crowns, bridges, or implants) for missing or severely damaged teeth. Direct restorations typically involve multiple office visits. For example, dental implants take six months to heal fully and require several appointments to complete.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of the patient's teeth and smile. While these services may offer functional benefits, such as bite alignment, the primary goal is aesthetic improvement. This is done through various procedures and techniques to improve a patient's teeth' shape, color, size, and alignment. It can also improve the appearance of one's bite and gums.
People may choose to improve the appearance of their smiles for many reasons. Some individuals have yellowed, chipped, or uneven teeth that they feel self-conscious about when they smile. In other cases, patients may want to adjust their mouth size or bite alignment.
Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include the following:
Restorative procedures are essential services. People seeking this type of treatment experience symptoms such as swelling, pain, and severe bleeding. They need the expertise of a restorative dentist to relieve these symptoms.
In contrast, cosmetic dental procedures are typically considered elective care. This means that patients choose the procedure rather than it being necessary for their oral health. Most patients seek cosmetic dental care when they are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. However, they may not necessarily be experiencing any pain, infection, or other problematic symptoms.
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While restorative dentists focus on repairing and replacing damaged or missing teeth to restore function and stability, cosmetic dentists enhance the appearance of your smile. Both areas of dentistry can contribute to optimal oral health and overall well-being. Call our office to learn more about our services.
Request an appointment or call Scripps Ranch Dental at 858-222-6164 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
A restorative dentist focuses on restoring smiles' function, protection, aesthetics, and health. They have various treatments offered to focus on a specific condition or the mouth's overall health. Take a closer look at when it is time for you to make an appointment.Missing teeth results in more damage than the smile's appearance. No matter a…
When most people think of cavity treatment, they think of fillings. However, a restorative dentist may recommend inlays or onlays for more severe cases of tooth decay. These restorative treatments come in various materials, some of which blend easily with the rest of the teeth. They can, therefore, restore not only the function but also…
Your restorative dentist can present treatments that can fix your dental issues. You can have a new smile after your appointment. Some dental problems may need more than one visit. Knowing when to see a restorative dentist can help you get the right procedure to bring back your smile and dental health.A restorative dentist can…
A restorative dentist focuses on restoring smiles' function, protection, aesthetics, and health. They have various treatments offered to focus on a specific condition or the mouth's overall health. Take a closer look at when it is time for you to make an appointment.Missing teeth results in more damage than the smile's appearance. No matter a…
When most people think of cavity treatment, they think of fillings. However, a restorative dentist may recommend inlays or onlays for more severe cases of tooth decay. These restorative treatments come in various materials, some of which blend easily with the rest of the teeth. They can, therefore, restore not only the function but also…