When it comes to restoring your smile, you may have to choose between two main types of dental procedures: restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. While both types of dentistry can help improve the appearance of your teeth, they serve different purposes. 

Let's try to understand the main differences between restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
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What Is Restorative Dentistry? 

As the name suggests, restorative dentistry refers to any dental procedure that is designed to restore the functionality of your smile. That can mean replacing or restoring teeth that have been damaged or lost due to decay, trauma, or other reasons. 

Common Restorative Dental Procedures

The most common restorative dental procedures include:

  • Fillings: Fillings are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by cavities. The dentist will remove the decayed area and use fillings to restore the tooth to its original shape and function.
  • Crowns: Crowns are used to cover and protect teeth that have been severely damaged by decay or trauma. They can be made of porcelain or ceramic materials and are designed to look and function like your natural teeth.
  • Bridges: If you have more than just one missing tooth, then bridges can help restore your smile. They consist of one or more artificial teeth that are held in place by crowns on the adjacent teeth.
  • Dental implants: Dental implants replace missing teeth by inserting a titanium post into the jawbone. Then a dental crown is attached to the post and your smile is restored. 
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What Is Cosmetic Dentistry? 

Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental procedures that are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, and bite. While cosmetic dentistry may also improve the function of your teeth, the primary goal is to enhance your smile.
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Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures include: 

  • Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening is a very popular cosmetic dental procedure. It can help brighten your discolored or stained teeth, improving the appearance of your smile significantly. 
  • Veneers: Veneers are thin shells that are placed over the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They can be used to correct a variety of dental issues, including chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth.
  • Invisalign: Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. It is a popular alternative to traditional braces.
  • Gum reshaping: Gum reshaping is a cosmetic dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your gums. It is typically used to correct a “gummy” smile, where too much gum tissue shows when you're smiling. 
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Choosing the Right Procedure

Determining what type of procedure you need is not always that straightforward. The team at Tuttle Family Dentistry can help you determine the best course of action by taking into account your dental health, as well as your cosmetic goals. 

In some cases, we may recommend a combination of restorative and cosmetic dental procedures to achieve the best results. We will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your needs and helps you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Are you ready to transform your smile? Then get in touch with us by sending us a message online. 

You can also call us directly at (719) 282-6636.