While the primary objectives of restorative and cosmetic dentistry differ, their ultimate goal is the same. The two go hand in hand as they aim to restore your self-esteem, smile, and confidence. Read on to discover how they differ and how they complement each other.
Restorative Dentistry:
Restorative dentistry is defined as the branch that focuses on eliminating all dental diseases and restoring the affected teeth. In other words, it fully restores dental health and function. Below are the treatments addressed by restorative dentistry:
1. Removal of dental cavities – Dental caries is one of the most common oral diseases. Dentists are trained to remove them and restore the tooth structure and function using various materials.
2. Placement of dental crowns – Often, cavities have progressed so much that more extensive treatments are needed to restore the affected tooth.
3. Making dental bridges – If decay has invaded the tooth structure to a point where it is impossible to carry out the previous restorations, the solution is tooth extraction. In these cases, fixed bridges replace missing teeth and restore the patient’s function and aesthetics.
4. Placement of dental implants – This is a treatment where missing teeth will be replaced. It is a surgery in which a titanium screw is placed that will replace the tooth root and a porcelain crown to replace the tooth’s natural crown.
5. Removable dental prostheses – These can be total or partial, depending on how many teeth the patient is missing. Some people do not have any teeth in their mouth. These prostheses are also known as dentures.
Cosmetic Dentistry:
Cosmetic dentistry is defined as the branch that focuses on providing the patient with a perfect smile that restores self-esteem and confidence. However, the treatments applied to achieve this goal cannot be performed in a diseased mouth.
Therefore, if the patient has any oral disease, it must be addressed first, and then the cosmetic treatments can continue. This is why cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry are intertwined. Cosmetic dentistry includes:
1. Teeth whitening – This treatment can only be applied to entirely healthy teeth; otherwise, it can cause more harm than good. Its function is to provide more brightness and whiteness to your teeth.
2. Dental veneers – In cases where dental resin is insufficient for tooth repair, or the patient does not wish to correct certain aspects of their teeth through orthodontics, they resort to placing dental veneers. With them, you can apply a whiter shade and give the teeth a better shape and position.
3. Dental bonding – Achieved with resins in cases of minor restorations. With this material, aesthetics and function are restored.
4. Orthodontics – Dental brackets are used to align teeth. Many patients have dental malposition when permanent teeth begin to emerge. Orthodontics, using lingual brackets or clear aligners, can move the teeth to the proper position to achieve a beautiful smile without sacrificing aesthetics with conventional brackets.
5. Gum contouring – This treatment is performed on patients with inflamed gums or to lengthen the clinical crown. In both cases, it will give more visibility to the teeth, especially in people who, when they smile, show more gums than teeth.
Functional vs. Aesthetic Dentistry:
Functional dentistry cannot be separated from aesthetics. When an aesthetic treatment is performed, the functionality must be considered. Providing the patient with a beautiful appearance of their teeth but not allowing them to eat well or causing TMJ pain and headaches will be a failed treatment.
Choosing the Right Restorative Dental Treatment:
A good analysis of the patient’s current oral situation will provide a diagnosis and the choice of the appropriate restorative treatment. Everything must be carefully analyzed and planned to give the best result at all levels: functional and aesthetic.
If an inter-consultation is necessary, it should be done so that no detail is omitted that may cause further discomfort to the patient. At International X Dental, we can solve any oral complications you present and restore your oral health, functionality, and beautiful dental appearance.
Everything related to restorative and cosmetic dentistry is available at International X Dental.
With us at International X Dental, you will get the best dental care, especially in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. As described above, the two are entirely intertwined. Good esthetic treatment can never be performed on a diseased mouth.
The first step is to restore oral health and, in the process, to carry out all the required aesthetic treatments. Please make an appointment with us; you will not regret it.
