The purpose of restorative dentistry is to restore function, while the purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to improve visual appearance. Restorative dental treatments focus on restoring decayed, damaged, or missing teeth to maintain proper oral health and function. Although cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry actually overlap each other, since both will sometimes use crowns and implants for tooth restoration as an example, the main difference between the two is their approach and the dentist's level of experience. If you are thinking about having a cosmetic procedure, ask your dentist if you will need some restorative work done before the procedure.
If you're thinking about having an aesthetic dental procedure, here are some questions to ask your dentist during your consultation. Restorative work done on the teeth prior to the cosmetic procedure improves the health of the teeth, while the cosmetic procedure improves the appearance, making both dentistry practices equally important. While a patient may prefer to have a specific type of dentist perform certain operations, such as a non-cosmetic dental implant cosmetic surgeon, both restorative and aesthetic dentistry have specialized areas of expertise. If you think you have a cosmetic defect in your smile, you can always see a cosmetic dentist for help.
However, a major difference between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry is the real cost of treatment procedures, which can be a bit high for cosmetic dentistry treatments. A cosmetic dentist is experienced in understanding how to improve patients' smiles, whether that involves fixing gaps between teeth or minimizing unsightly discolorations. Your dentist can help you decide on a cosmetic procedure because they are well versed in techniques that could improve your smile. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry offers advice on how to choose the right dentist for these treatments.
If you want to enhance your smile, you should always seek the help of a cosmetic dentist as you delve into the art of science. It is important to ensure that your dentist has completed continuing education courses that keep you updated on cosmetic clinical cosmetic dentistry techniques. Restorative dentistry is usually performed by younger dentists who care more about the patient's health, while cosmetic dentistry is usually performed by a more experienced professional who cares about improving the patient's quality of life.
