Individuals, when choosing a new dentist, often visit websites to determine which practices they want to know more about. The website provides them with a general overview of the office location, the hours of operation, and the services offered, among other things. One thing that confuses many individuals is the difference between restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Many of the services could fall under either category or so they believe based on the information provided. While it is true there is some overlap in the services offered, there are differences a person should know.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dental treatments focus on restoring the mouth to its natural state and managing a patient’s oral health. The dentist carries out restorative treatments to ensure the mouth functions as it should and to improve the appearance of the patient’s smile. Trained dental professionals can carry out these procedures without undergoing specialty education or becoming certified in the specific treatment. The knowledge they gained in dental school is enough to allow them to carry out restorative dental procedures. However, patients want to know who are the Best Dentists Near Me for the treatments they need.
Any dentist can handle direct tooth restoration or the filling of a cavity. This straightforward procedure only takes one office visit, and the dentist determines the appropriate way to fill the tooth based on where the cavity is located and the chewing pressure.
Indirect tooth restoration, on the other hand, involves the complete or partial replacement of a tooth. The dentist uses crowns, onlays, or inlays to restore the tooth. Onlays and inlays help when a tooth is partially damaged. However, significant damage to the tooth calls for a crown to restore the tooth to its former condition. The crown covers the entire chewing surface of the affected tooth. Several visits are needed to complete this restoration.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dental procedures work to improve the appearance of a person’s smile. Dentists use these procedures to alter the shape, alignment, color, or size of a tooth or to improve the appearance of the gums. These procedures may also be used to change a person’s bite. Individuals worried about visual dental problems often speak with their dentist about cosmetic procedures. What treatments qualify as cosmetic rather than restorative?
- Bonding
- Crowns
- Implants
- Inlays
- Onlays
- Teeth Whitening
- Veneers
When it comes to cosmetic and restorative dentistry, the practicing dentist determines which procedures they will undertake. Dentists fresh out of dental school often focus on restorative procedures until they have more experience. Once they feel comfortable dealing with the health of their patients, they often choose to branch out and offer cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve their patients’ quality of life.
When the time comes for work to be done on your mouth, speak to your dentist. They will share with you those procedures they handle and refer you to the appropriate professional for those they don’t. As they know your mouth and overall oral health better than anyone, your dentist is always the first place to turn when you want anything done to your teeth or gums.
