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Both cosmetic dentistry and dental restorations have the same goal of improving your teeth, your smile and even your oral health. However, both dentistry categories consist of significantly different ways that they go about accomplishing this end goal.

Understanding the Difference

For instance, dental restoration is defined as procedures that are designed to keep your teeth – and your mouth – healthy and functional. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is more about just improving the overall look of your smile.

Teeth whitening, for example, is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry practices, while implants and crowns are an example of dental restorations that are commonly performed. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between these two categories of dental work, why many patients seek it and treatments.

Some people make the false assumption that dental restorations and cosmetic dentistry are the same procedures. While dental restorations can absolutely have cosmetic benefits, it’s important to note the difference and why you don’t want to treat dental restorations as optional.

Reasons for (and Types of) Dental Restorations

 

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Restorative dentistry involves repairing the mouth to its proper functioning, and restoring teeth to their natural shape and appearance. Dental restorations can range from something as simple as a filling and something as advanced as a full mouth restoration.

Regardless of the type of dental restoration, however, the goal is to keep the mouth functioning as it’s designed to function. Here’s a look at some of the most popular reasons why patients seek dental restoration:

  • To fill in gaps or spaces that exist between the teeth.
  • To fix a malocclusion, or improper bite.
  • To repair teeth that are damaged or decayed.
  • To replace missing teeth.
  • To replace old, failing previous dental treatments.
  • To relieve facial pain and restore proper jaw function.

One of the most basic dental restorations is fillings and today’s composite fillings blend in seamlessly with the natural color of the teeth. Other common dental restorations include inlays, onlays, crowns, dentures, bridges, implants and, in the case of preventing tooth loss, root canals.

Reasons for (and Types of) Cosmetic Dentistry

 

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Cosmetic dentistry is all about improving the look of your teeth and/or smile. In many cases, cosmetic dentistry is performed following a dental restoration, as first a tooth or portion of the mouth must be returned to its proper function before it can receive cosmetic treatment.

Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons why patients seek cosmetic dentistry procedures:

  • To remove stains and whiten their teeth.
  • To repair cracked or chipped teeth.
  • To replace missing teeth.
  • To fill in spaces between teeth or correct overbites or underbites.
  • To reshape the teeth.

While there is some overlap between dental restorations and cosmetic dentistry as it pertains to reasons for seeking it, the procedures involved under each umbrella of dentistry are different. For instance, we teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, as it can remove coffee and tea stains to lighten the teeth.

Porcelain crowns, caps and veneers are other common cosmetic dentistry procedures. Bonding and contouring are two other procedures that a dentist may perform to reshape the teeth.  

Another important consideration when it comes to cosmetic dentistry is that it may not be covered by your insurance. This is especially true if it’s your choice to have a certain procedure performed, rather than something that’s deemed “medically necessary,” as is often the case with dental restorations.

Finding a Dentist

When you’re looking for the right dentist, especially for larger procedures like cosmetic or restoration dentistry, it’s essential to choose a dentist who can meet your needs. Dr. Bruce Kanehl specializes in cosmetic dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, emergency dental care and more.

For more information on the differences between cosmetic dentistry and dental restorations – and for a full scope of the practices and procedures that fall under each category of care –

contact Kanehl Dental today.

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