Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. So naturally, you want it to be as perfect as possible. However, before you go ahead and make a consultation at your dentist, make sure you know the difference between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry.
To put it plainly, restorative dentistry is the process of restoring your mouth and your overall health. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is more about the cosmetic aspect of it and improves the alignment, color, shape, and size of the client’s teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Now that you know the basics of cosmetic and restorative dentistry, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses more on veneers, crowns, bonding, and even teeth whitening. This means that although you may not have any prominent issues with your teeth, there may be some imperfections that you are eager to get fixed.
Veneers are a thin layer of covering that goes over your natural tooth. Despite this, they still look like natural teeth. They are typically the only option for people whose teeth are too far gone and can’t be fixed via whitening or braces.
Getting your teeth whitened is also another version of cosmetic dentistry. It’s ideal for getting the bright smile you have always dreamed of without having to spend money on whitening procedures that won’t work.
Your teeth can change color over the years as a result of cigarette smoke, coffee, medications, and more. However, this isn’t always a problem you can fix with just regular toothpaste. Over time, you will have to rely on the services of a professional.
Restorative Dentistry
This type of dentistry isn’t as fun as cosmetic dentistry. This is the type of dentistry you’ll need when you have a cavity, need an implant, or more. This could involve getting a crown or a filling for a cavity. It’s also not necessarily something you have a choice in.
If you do end up having to get one, be sure to avoid having to get another by not eating hard or sticky foods, brushing often and flossing as often as you can.
Restorative dentistry also involves replacing an entire tooth on its own. If you have lost a tooth as a result of an accident or some other reason, restorative dentistry is the type of service you’ll need.
In Conclusion
There are some important things to take away from restorative and cosmetic dentistry. For one, restorative dentistry isn’t optional and is something you need in order for your mouth to be as healthy as possible. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is an option and something people get in order to make their smile look better than it already is.
If you have any questions about getting either of these procedures done, be sure to reach out to your local dentist’s office for more information. At the end of the day, the health of your teeth is one you shouldn’t compromise.