How your smile looks and the teeth’ function are essential for various reasons. One falls under cosmetic dentistry, and another in restorative dentistry. Some dentistry comes under both categories, like certain braces, which ensure your bite fits correctly and brightens your smile. 

A Rutherford dentist will provide you with both types of procedures because every type of mouth is unique. Understanding the differences between cosmetic and restorative dental procedures can be tricky. We will break down each type of dentistry so that anyone can understand them.

Restorative vs. cosmetic dental care

Aesthetics is the central part of cosmetic dentistry. Specific cosmetic procedures can improve teeth function, primarily focusing on appearance. Cosmetic dentistry is not about fixing an issue but rather enhancing the tooth’s appearance.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the following procedures.

• Fixing cracked teeth

A cracked tooth can be fixed using a process known as bonding. The bonding is made and resembles the texture and color of the existing tooth. Your dentist will put the putty by filling the chip and filing it to smooth so that chip is not visible anymore.

• Whitening discolored teeth

The teeth’s color has a significant impact on your pictures. It is natural for teeth to discolor with age, but it also depends on eating habits and lifestyle. Professional whitening can remove such stains from your teeth. 

• Reshaping teeth

If one tooth appears different, the dentist will recommend reshaping it. Depending on the amount of grind needed, the tooth can be contoured with laser treatment. You must have a healthy set of gums and teeth to contour teeth. Also, you can damage your tooth further to reshape it.

Restorative dentistry focuses on the following procedures.

• Fillings

A filling is the most common procedure of restorative dentistry. When a cavity develops in your tooth due to plaque, acid, or deterioration, a filling fills the tooth’s spot to provide protection. 

• Bridges

Bridges substitute missing teeth by attaching to the site of the missing tooth next to the healthy tooth. Bridges can replace a single or more teeth in the same location. It permanently restores your smile.

• Implants

Dental implants are the permanent solution to missing teeth. Implants can be used to substitute a missing tooth in the jawbone or gums. A hole is drilled in the jawbone, and a post is tightened into the spot. A cap will be set on the base to make it look like a natural tooth.