When it comes to caring for teeth, restorative and cosmetic dentistry are often confused to be the same thing. And although there is a bit of overlap between the two, there are some key differences that make them unique. If you want to improve your smile, but you aren’t sure which approach is best, consult the guide below. 

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry includes a set of procedures that restore form and function to the teeth and improve the overall health of a patient’s smile. For example, if you have a cavity, a dentist will use a tooth filling or dental crown to repair the affected area and protect it from future damage.

These are considered restorative procedures, as they return the structure of the tooth to its original form. However, because many dentists now use natural-colored materials like composite resin or porcelain for these procedures, rather than metal, they are also cosmetic in nature.

Cosmetic Dentistry

The primary difference between restorative and cosmetic dentistry is that the latter is purely dedicated toward aesthetic purposes. Stains, for example, don’t affect the function of your teeth, nor do they cause internal damage. As such, teeth whitening procedures are cosmetic and not restorative. Some cosmetic procedures, however, do make minor repairs, such as fixing a chipped tooth.

While a chipped tooth affects the aesthetics of your smile, it typically doesn’t keep you from chewing correctly or cause any other problems. As a result, a procedure like dental bonding or veneers is still considered cosmetic. If, however, the tooth was broken and had the potential to cause infection or other damage, a porcelain dental crown might be used to repair the tooth.

Whether you need a dental crown or simply want a whiter smile, turn to Daniel M Hamrick DDS, in China Grove, NC, for all your restorative and cosmetic dentistry needs. With more than 35 years of experience restoring and beautifying his patients’ smiles, you can rely on him to give you the healthy, dazzling smile you’ve always wanted. Visit the practice online for a full list of services, and call (704) 857-7497 to schedule an appointment today.