What Is the Difference Between Restorative Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?

Proper oral hygiene aims at improving your overall oral health and the appearance of your smile. Common oral health problems include discolored teeth, misshapen teeth, broken teeth, and bite problems. Sometimes, some oral health problems only affect the appearance of your smile, while others have symptoms that may lead to infections are worse conditions.

When do you need restorative dentistry? Is cosmetic dentistry essential? This article discusses the differences between restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

Kindly read on for more information.

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry includes oral procedures that rehabilitate oral health, restoring function and mobility. Susan J. Curley provides standard restorative dental procedures, including inlays, onlays, dentures, veneers, dental crowns, and bridges. Dentists in Wall Township also offer root canal therapy and dental fillings as restorative dental procedures.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the aesthetics and the appearance of a smile. Sometimes, family and cosmetic dentistry require restorative treatments to ensure its safety and function before additional aesthetics. Dentists near you provide teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, aligners, and dental implants as part of cosmetic dental procedures. Other cosmetic dental treatments include dental bonding and teeth straightening.

What Are the Differences Between Restorative Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry differ in their essence, purpose, and the type of materials used.

Restorative dentistry near you is essential. It is ideal for repairing broken, damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Furthermore, restorative dentistry aims at alleviating pain, swelling, or bleeding, while preventing worse conditions and infections. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is elective; it is optional. Most people get cosmetic dental surgery because they are not satisfied with the appearance of their smile. Usually, people that undergo cosmetic dental procedures do not experience any symptoms or discomfort.

Furthermore, restorative dentistry is necessary for restoring function and oral health. In contrast, the purpose of family and cosmetic dentistry is to improve visual appearance.

Durable and affordable materials are necessary for restorative dental procedures, while cosmetic dental surgery requires aesthetically pleasing and inexpensive materials.

Who Qualifies for Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry near you is essential in filling empty spaces in your mouth, keeping your teeth aligned properly, and preventing future oral health problems. People that have cavities, missing teeth, tooth decay, and bites issues qualify for restorative dentistry.

Who Qualifies for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry near you is essential in improving the appearance of your teeth, including their color and shape. People who qualify for cosmetic dentistry have stained teeth, discolored teeth, chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, and tooth gaps.

How To Maintain Restorative Dental Procedures?

Proper maintenance of your restorative dental procedure ensures you avoid infections and prevent oral health problems. Brushing twice daily, using electric toothbrushes to remove plaque, and flossing once a day to remove food particles and debris are essential in maintaining your restorative dentistry. Other ways of maintaining your restorative dentistry include using an antibacterial mouthwash and avoiding biting hard or sticky foods.

How To Maintain Your Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry can only last as long as you maintain it. Dentists near you recommend proper oral hygiene like brushing, flossing, and avoiding teeth-staining foods for maintaining cosmetic dentistry. Furthermore, if you have veneers, dental crowns, or bonded teeth, avoid eating hard foods. Also, if you grind your teeth, always wear a nightguard to bed. For teeth whitening cosmetic procedures, you can maintain your white teeth by using whitening toothpaste.

Does Insurance Cover Restorative Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?

Since restorative dentistry is essential, dental insurance covers dental restorations, including dental fillings, crowns, and implants.

Cosmetic dentistry is elective and is more concerned about the appearance of the teeth. Therefore, dental insurance does not cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry near you, including cosmetic veneers and teeth whitening.

Conclusion

Restorative dentistry is different from cosmetic dentistry. Restorative dentistry aims at improving your oral health and alleviating pain-causing symptoms. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, aims at improving the appearance of your smile. You should visit a dentist in Wall Township for diagnosis and discussion on the best type of dentistry for you.