Dental Restoration vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s The Difference?

Dental Restoration Vs Cosmetic Dentistry

When going to the dentist, it is important to know what kind of treatment you need before you make an appointment. Knowing whether to call for a dental restoration or cosmetic dentistry is critical to saving you both time and money. A restorative dentist provides services and treatments different from those of a cosmetic dentist. Learn more about these two types of dental services and how they compare.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

You might qualify for restorative dentistry if you have broken or chipped teeth or have lost teeth due to an injury or accident. This is a type of service that covers basic functional dental work, such as:

  • Root Canals
  • Dental Bridges
  • Implants
  • Onlays & Inlays

However, the treatments are fundamental to the oral healthcare of the patient. To enhance the appearance, we turn to cosmetic dentistry.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry involves all treatments to improve the physical appearance of teeth and gums. Typical types of these dental treatments are:

  • Teeth Whitening
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Aligners
  • Invisible Braces
  • Tooth-Colored Fillings

This type of dentist focuses more on the aesthetic style of your smile. Their goal is to whiten and straighten your teeth and improve your gums’ health. The result is a more attractive smile.

Similarities In Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

The primary focus for both restorative and cosmetic dentistry is to improve a patient’s appearance and overall oral health. To accomplish this, treatments and tools are used to improve a patient’s mouth, gums, and teeth, or improve the appearance of the patient’s smile. These two specialized services cover both of these areas–the before and the after in taking care of dental health.

Differences In Dental Restoration & Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental restoration restores the health and hygiene of the mouth. If a patient cannot chew properly due to missing or crooked teeth, they cannot eat easily, which is aversive to their overall health. The goal of restorative dental services is to improve oral health. Cosmetic dentistry is often not required, but using these treatments can make a person feel better about their appearance.

Choose San Ramon Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

Here at Dr. Carol Jin, DDS in San Ramon, California, we focus on family dental services that include cosmetic and sedation treatment. This includes services like teeth whitening, veneers, and laser gum contouring. Contact us to discuss your dental needs.