Cosmetic dentistry is a professional oral care method that focuses on improving the appearance of teeth. It involves a series of procedures that can help improve the structure, function, and aesthetics of your smile. These procedures include teeth whitening, bonding, orthodontics, and placement of dental implants, dentures, fillings, and crowns. Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures.
It uses chemicals to whiten teeth and is an economical and effective treatment for patients with cavities, chipped or cracked teeth, or worn tooth edges. Orthodontics is a specialized type of dental care focused on improving the position of the teeth and jaw to overcome an inadequate bite. Restorative dentistry refers to the management and procedures that the dentist performs to keep the mouth healthy and functional. It requires no specialization; it only refers to the preventive and corrective measures that general practice dentists take to ensure that our mouth stays as healthy as possible.
Restorative dentistry is concerned first and foremost with keeping the mouth working as well as possible and, in the process of doing so, can improve the overall appearance of the smile. Aesthetic dentists correct the functioning of the teeth, but also try to bring to life the individual's idea of what a perfect smile should look like. They look exceptionally realistic and can solve numerous aesthetic problems, ranging from crooked teeth to cracked or damaged enamel and noticeable gaps between two teeth. Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry overlap each other since both will sometimes use crowns and implants for tooth restoration.
However, the main difference between them is their approach and the dentist's level of experience. Cosmetic dentistry is more concerned with aesthetics while restorative dentistry focuses on keeping the mouth working as well as possible. Not only is there considerable overlap between orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, but sometimes combining them offers the best results. According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), improved appearance was a decisive factor in 86% of patients.
Cosmetic dentists have the necessary training to provide general dentistry, but some combine the two or focus exclusively on cosmetic procedures. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the focus here is on art, not the real science behind the procedure.
