Many people want to get that perfect smile. However, before cosmetic dentistry can take place, there may be the need to do a little restorative work. These two types of dentistry might seem the same, but they are used for different purposes. Here are the five key differences between cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
#1 – Functionality Is Key With Restorative Dentistry
Many things can go wrong in a person’s mouth. Dental professionals want to ensure that these problems are prevented or fixed before they cause issues with the person’s oral health. Restorative dentistry’s primary goal is to improve the health and functionality of an individual’s mouth. Missing teeth, cavities, and gingivitis are all common problems addressed in restorative dentistry.
A family dentist in Glendale, AZ, may have to fill cavities to prevent further decay, replace missing teeth with bridges, dentures, or implants, and protect broken teeth with caps or crowns. This type of dentistry does not require any specialization from the dentist. Instead, general practice dentists will take preventative and corrective measures to ensure that the patient’s mouth stays as healthy as possible.
Restorative dentistry is concerned with maintaining the functionality of the patient’s mouth. On the other hand, a cosmetic dentist focuses on improving the look of a person’s smile. While correcting these issues can enhance a smile, that is not the purpose of restorative dentistry.
#2 – Appearance Is the Main Focus for Cosmetic Dentistry
A cosmetic dentist in Glendale is focused on those aesthetic issues with teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is about making people feel more confident with their smiles. All dentists will put the health of their patients first. However, these cosmetic procedures will not improve the functionality of the teeth and mouth. Instead, these dentists work to improve the patient’s appearance. People can choose many different ways to enhance the look of their smiles.
Yellowed, uneven, or chipped teeth are frequent issues with these patients. A cosmetic dentist can use a few procedures to fix those problems. These are some of the most common techniques in cosmetic dentistry.
Teeth Whitening
If a patient has discoloration or stains on the enamel of the teeth, then they may want to have a teeth whitening procedure. There are several ways that teeth whitening can be done in the dentist’s office. Many of these options depend on the patient’s budget and preference. Teeth whitening will only work on natural enamel. Implants, crowns, fillings, and veneers cannot be bleached, but there may be other options for teeth whitening in Glendale.
Bonding
Dentists can fix small chips in the teeth with bonding. This putty is the same color as the tooth; the dentist can use it to fill in chips or holes. The dental professional can even use it to fill those small cavities. The bond will last several years but will eventually need a replacement. Bonding can chip, but the dentist will reapply it to the tooth if that happens.
Contouring
When a patient’s tooth needs to be reshaped, contouring is involved. The dentist may have to alter the tooth’s width, length, shape, or position. The tooth needs to be in good overall health for the dentist to contour it. A dentist must sand or laser the tooth to achieve a new shape. After that, bonding is used to fill in any chips. Reshaping teeth is a permanent option that can help with crooked teeth. Once the contouring is finished, the teeth are polished for a high-quality shine.
Veneers
Veneers are made with porcelain or plastic, and these shells are placed on the front of the tooth. Each veneer is fitted to the tooth and cemented on the enamel. With that, the shape and color of the tooth are changed, making veneers a permanent solution over bonding or whitening. Many people elect to have this procedure done to get that perfect smile.
#3 – Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry Services Can Overlap
Many of the procedures in cosmetic and restorative dentistry can overlap. However, the primary purpose behind performing these techniques is what separates these two dentistry services.
Could you consider the case with braces? If a person feels insecure with crooked teeth, braces are a great fix to realign the position of the teeth. In this example, the patient does not need braces for health reasons, but the individual wants to achieve a better smile. Using braces in this example falls into the cosmetic dentistry category. When a person has poor alignment that makes speaking or chewing difficult, braces can also be used to improve how their mouth functions, making that a restorative procedure. There are plenty of other overlapping dental procedures, such as implants, bridges, and crowns.
#4 – Cosmetic Services Can Take Longer Than Restorative Dental Care
In most cases, the dentist can complete restorative procedures with one visit to the office. Professional dentists can quickly diagnose the problem and develop a treatment option to resolve the issue. On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry relies on the goals of the patient. It may take several visits to get the right results. Teeth whitening is an excellent example of a lengthy cosmetic procedure. In some situations, the health of the teeth needs to be preserved, meaning the whitening treatments could involve subtle color lifts that need to be done over a few months.
#5 – Cosmetic Dental Procedures Can Be More Expensive
All dentists have the training to handle restorative dental procedures. However, only some dentists have the experience or skills to offer their clients the latest cosmetic dental procedures. If a patient wants to improve the look of their smile, it is vital to find a dentist specializing in cosmetic services. With a consultation, the patient can learn about possible treatment plans for that perfect smile.
If you want to know whether these procedures are the right option for your smile, contact Beyond Dental Care. Our team will happily answer any questions about cosmetic dentistry in Glendale, AZ.
Contact Us Today!
Beyond Dental Care welcomes patients with disabilities. If you need accommodation to receive dental services, we would happily provide one. Please call us at 623-267-8088 to let us know how we can assist. An Arizona-licensed general dentist offers services.
Whether you’re looking to enhance the appearance of your smile or address dental health issues, our skilled team is here to help. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile!