The Difference between Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry Options

If your teeth are crooked, stained, chipped, cracked, misaligned, gapped, or have other dental problems restorative or cosmetic dentistry options may help you. Damaged teeth can benefit from both restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Knowing the options for both types of dentistry may help you further understand what you need to correct your smile.

Restorative Dentistry

There are a number of things that can take place when you seek restorative dentistry. Your dentist may replace missing teeth using dental implants, dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures. They may also do a full mouth reconstruction if your dental problems have caused damage that is almost beyond repair.

Restorative dentistry by definition means that a dentist replaces or repairs broken or damaged teeth, bones, or tissue. These procedures are commonly performed by your general dentist, but depending on your dental problems they may also refer you to a specialist. Before begin restorative dentistry procedures it is important to make sure your Montreal dentist has experience performing the procedures you need.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is very different from restorative dentistry. Most cosmetic dentistry procedures are aimed at correcting the appearance of the smile and not the underlying dental problems. That said, many also improve the function as well. Some of the most common cosmetic dentistry options would include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, dental bridges, Invisalign, dental crowns, and tooth-colored fillings.

A classic example of cosmetic dentistry would be porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers do not necessarily correct dental problems rather than cover them up. This is because crooked, stained, and chipped teeth can be concealed with the placement of a porcelain veneer. Many people choose this option over comparative restorative dentistry options because it resolves the problem quickly and aesthetically corrects their smile. However, it should be noted that your teeth can not be decayed or diseased if you wish to have cosmetic dentistry.