Cosmetic and restorative dentistry has a lot in common. Both are used to restore damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Both can be handled by a general dentist, too.

How are the two distinguished if cosmetic and restorative dentistry are so similar? What is most significant with these distinctions that affect their prices? A simple explanation of cosmetic and restorative dentistry’s primary differences and similarities is here to answer these questions.

Cosmetic vs. Restorative Dentistry

The common meaning of restorative dentistry is any dental procedure that focuses on repairing or restoring damaged oral structures. Cosmetic dentistry, nevertheless, focuses on aesthetics or the look of your smile. These two do overlap since restorative treatments can also offer aesthetic benefits, so here is a side-by-side comparison.

Purpose of Treatment

As stated, restorative dentistry focuses on function. Restorative dental treatments deal with decaying, damaged, or missing teeth to regain effective function. Along with these, it likewise safeguards oral and bone health. Typical treatments are root canals followed by dental crowns or conventional dentures. These prosthetics are more inexpensive and practical for most people.

On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry is all about your smile. Treatments intend to enhance the teeth’s contour, color, or size. There are procedures, like veneers or laser gum removal, that do not do anything to enhance function. They can only be done when general oral health is remarkable.

Need and Urgency

Restorative dentistry is vital. Treatments should be done at the earliest possible time to prevent long-lasting damage, such as sagging facial muscles and jaw bone degeneration. Restorative dental care also solves concerns such as discomfort, swelling, etc. Procedures and prosthetics can give you a chance to have good and long-lasting oral health. If you need to know more, why not visit sites like https://www.footefamilydentalcare.com/ for reliable information?

Cosmetic dentistry treatments are more optional, which means there is no urgency for the treatments. Most people choose to have treatments when they are not content with the appearance of their teeth. They get procedures done when they want to alter their teeth’s color, shape, or alignment. Such procedures can be veneers, teeth whitening, and laser gum removal.

Materials Used

Materials used in restorative dentistry are durable since they need to withstand the exact same beating natural teeth go through. Likewise, there are more inexpensive options for crowns, dentures, or a fixed dental bridge. Reasonably-priced types can be made of acrylic resin.

However, restorative dentistry can jump over to cosmetic dentistry. If there is a requirement for prosthetics, dentists can make these from porcelain or dental composite resin that can match the color and translucency of the patient’s natural teeth. This makes cosmetic procedures somewhat more pricey because of the materials and artistry that come with them.

Thinking about a Procedure?

Consult with your dentist. The dentist should look for cavities, chips and cracks, and gum health. If you want to pursue a cosmetic treatment, your dentist must resolve other concerns first. Restorative dentistry is the initial step, whether you need fillings, root canals, etc. When your mouth is entirely healthy, you can go on to explore cosmetic treatments and get the perfect smile you desire.