There appears to be some overlap between dental restorations and cosmetic dentistry. However, people need to know the difference between the two because dental insurance may cover a dental restoration but not a cosmetic procedure. This article examines the key differences between the two types of dentistry and provides examples of each.
The primary difference between these two types of dentistry is their purpose. Cosmetic dentistry's sole purpose is to improve the way the smile looks, while restorative dentistry helps people who have decayed, damaged, or missing teeth that are causing them pain or other dental problems. Here are some examples of both types of procedures to give you a better idea of how they differ:
The following are procedures that are almost always considered purely cosmetic.
In the form of either in-office procedures or at-home kits, dentists offer these treatments to improve the color of teeth. These are among the most popular dental procedures.
Dental veneers are among the most popular treatments for those wanting to obtain the movie star smile. Dental veneers are porcelain or composite resin shells that cover the fronts of teeth (typically the front teeth). They are difficult to stain, giving the teeth a bright, flawless, and uniform look.
These procedures are often combined to improve teeth's shape and color. For example, teeth shaping removes small bits of enamel to fix jagged or unevenly shaped teeth. Dental bonding adds tooth-colored composite resin to teeth to improve their shape and cover discolorations that teeth whitening cannot remedy. However, some may consider dental bonding a restorative procedure in certain cases. For example, if the enamel has been worn down, it makes the tooth more sensitive or exposes the tooth to a higher risk of infection.
Though these can help teeth look better, they focus on repairing teeth and preserving oral health.
Perhaps the most common restoration is cavity filling. However, sometimes the tooth is damaged by decay to a point where the standard filling is insufficient. In these cases, an inlay or an onlay must be crafted to replace a larger portion of the tooth's structure.
Dentists use dental crowns to repair teeth that are heavily damaged or root canal treated. They are tooth-shaped caps cemented over damaged natural teeth to protect them from infection and restore their biting power.
These are the three major dental restorations dentists use to replace missing teeth. Traditional dentures are either full or partial dental appliances that are removable (usually for cleaning or while the patient sleeps). Dental bridges are fixed restorations that replace one of two missing teeth in a row. Finally, dental implants represent the latest in dental restoration technology. They can replace one or several missing teeth using a titanium post that acts as a tooth root.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restoration in Jackson Heights, NY
If you are considering dental work, we hope this overview has given you a good idea of how cosmetic procedures differ from dental restorations. However, every person and insurance plan is different, and there are always exceptions. If you have more questions about dental restoration, our team is happy to help.
Request an appointment or call 82nd St. Dental at 718-709-3883 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.
Getting the right dental restoration can improve your appearance and dental health. Your dentist will discuss the possible procedures that will fit your needs. Knowing more about these treatments can help you prepare for your next visit. Here are the common dental restoration procedures available.These restorations can be tooth-colored porcelain, gold, or composite material. This…
Dental restoration is a term used to describe the process of repairing or replacing damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Several dental restoration options are available to patients, ranging from simple fillings to more complex procedures such as dental implants and crowns. This article will explore some of the most common dental restoration options available and…
A root canal removes the infected pulp, then cleans and seals the tooth. Many patients may be unsure if there is anything else they need to do after the root canal. The answer is yes; they will need a dental restoration to restore the tooth's functionality. Let us dive into why leaving a treated tooth…
When many people lose a single tooth, they may be inclined to ignore it and be grateful for the remaining thirty-one — despite the difficulties such a loss can cause. The good news is that getting a partial denture for one missing tooth is a relatively straightforward and largely painless procedure. Although you may experience…
Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase their self-esteem. Although this procedure is largely painless unless you have very sensitive teeth, it is common to question the safety of products used to whiten your teeth. The safety of whitening procedures depends on many factors. Here are some common…
Full mouth exam and X-rays
Zoom® whitening
Invisalign®
Implant *bone graft and crown extra