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Your general dentist is trained to give you comprehensive dental care. However, there may be instances where visiting a specialist would be necessary.
Restorative and cosmetic dentistry may seem alike but differ in focus, approach, and results. Here’s a brief guide to help you choose which one is better for you:
What is Restorative Dentistry?
As the name indicates, restorative dentistry is concerned with restoring a patient’s gums or teeth to improve their oral health. The aim is to relieve you of pain and discomfort caused by tooth decay and loss and restore mouth functioning. Common procedures in restorative dentistry include:
- Fillings
- Dental Bridges
- Dentures
- Veneers
- Inlays
- Onlays
- Root Canal Therapy
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
It is concerned with the aesthetic appeal of your mouth. Cosmetic dentistry aims to give you an ideal smile and hide any flaws in your natural dental alignment. Cosmetic procedures include:
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Bonding
- Gum Contouring
- Veneers
Key Differences Between Restorative and Cosmetic Dental Work
Some procedures of restorative and cosmetic dental work may overlap, but there are several key differences:
Distinct Purpose
The aim of restorative dental procedures is restoring function. If you have damaged or bleeding teeth or swelling in the gums, it will hinder your everyday tasks. In such cases, a restorative procedure will save you from further oral issues.
On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry focuses on visual aesthetics and will enhance the shape, size, or color of your teeth. Cosmetic teeth whitening, done by applying a bleaching gel to the teeth, is a common procedure.
Essential vs Optional
Most restorative dental procedures are done on an urgent basis. People seek these treatments when they are in significant pain or facing issues while eating or speaking. Take, for instance, root canal treatment which is needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected by bacteria. In such situations, time is of the essence and restorative dentistry becomes essential.
Patients seek cosmetic dental treatments when they are unhappy with their smile. Stained and yellowed teeth are common reasons. Cosmetic procedures don’t require the same urgency.
Different Costs
Depending upon the level of work required and your location, the cost of restorative and cosmetic dentistry varies. Most often, general dentists have licenses to perform restorative procedures so, you don’t have to pay additional fees for a specialist. The cost of these procedures is also covered by insurance.
In contrast, many cosmetic dental services use premium materials to give you long-lasting benefits. Dental crowns made from metal, gold alloys, and chromium alloys, are heavy on the pocket. Insurance companies do not typically cover cosmetic procedures.
Source: Pexels
Which One Do You Need?
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry has several common procedures including crowns and bridges. If you’re unsure which dentist is best suited for you, start by consulting your general dentist.
If you have damaged teeth that are causing you discomfort, a dentist specializing in restorative services is better for you. Seek a cosmetic dentist if you are concerned with the general appearance of your teeth and want a more confident smile.
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