Restorative vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What You Need to Know
Did you know that 48% of adults do not smile due to teeth problems? Having bad teeth can make you sad. This guide will help you learn about ways to fix your teeth and make them look nice.
Table of Contents
What is the Difference?
Restorative dentistry fixes teeth that are broken or hurt. It makes your teeth work well again.
Cosmetic dentistry makes your teeth look pretty. It can make your smile white and straight.
Both help you feel good about your smile!
Restorative Dentistry: Fixing Your Teeth
Restorative dentistry helps when you have:
- Broken teeth
- Teeth with holes
- Missing teeth
- Teeth that hurt
Main Restorative Treatments
Dental Crowns
Crowns are like hats for your teeth. They cover the whole tooth to make it strong again.
Types of crowns:
- Zirconia crowns – Very strong and look like real teeth
- Ceramic crowns – Look nice for front teeth
- Gold crowns – Last a long time for back teeth
Zirconia has become very popular. In 2009, only 33% of dentists used it. Now, 90.6% use zirconia instead of metal crowns.
Dental Implants
Implants are fake tooth roots that go in your jaw. They hold new teeth in place.
Types of implants:
- Single tooth implants – For one missing tooth
- All-on-4® – Holds a full row of teeth with just 4 posts
- Nobel Biocare® – A top brand many dentists use
Implants can help you chew better. Studies show they can make chewing 40% better than old-style false teeth.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Fillings fix small holes in teeth. Modern fillings match your tooth color.
Benefits:
- No one can see them
- Do not contain mercury
- Bond to your tooth for strength
Root Canals
Root canals fix badly hurt teeth. The dentist takes out the sore part inside and saves your tooth.
New tools make root canals faster and less scary than before!
Cosmetic Dentistry: Making Your Smile Pretty
Cosmetic dentistry helps when you want:
- Whiter teeth
- Straighter teeth
- No gaps between teeth
- Better shaped teeth
Popular Cosmetic Treatments
Teeth Whitening
This makes your teeth brighter. You can get:
- In-office whitening – Fast results in one visit
- Take-home kits – Use at home with custom trays
Whitening can make your teeth up to 8 shades whiter!
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin shells that go on the front of teeth. They can fix:
- Stained teeth that won’t whiten
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Ceramic veneers last 10-15 years with good care.
Composite Bonding
Bonding uses tooth-colored putty to:
- Fix small chips
- Close small gaps
- Cover stains
- Reshape teeth
It’s less expensive than veneers but doesn’t last as long.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
These clear plastic trays slowly move your teeth. They work like braces but you can take them out and no one can see them.
When Treatments Work Together
Sometimes you need both types of dentistry. Here are some examples:
Example 1: Broken Front Tooth
You might need:
- A root canal (restorative) to fix pain
- A crown (restorative) to make it strong
- Color matching (cosmetic) to make it look nice
Example 2: Missing Teeth
You might need:
- Dental implants (restorative) to replace roots
- Crowns (restorative) for chewing
- Whitening (cosmetic) to make all teeth match
CEREC® and other new tech can make crowns in just 1-2 days instead of weeks. This makes patients much happier!
Treatment Costs and Insurance
| Treatment | Type | Average Cost | Insurance Covers? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fillings | Restorative | $150-$300 | Usually Yes |
| Root Canal | Restorative | $700-$1,500 | Often Yes |
| Crown | Restorative | $800-$1,500 | Partly Yes |
| Implant | Restorative | $3,000-$5,000 | Sometimes |
| Whitening | Cosmetic | $300-$800 | No |
| Veneers | Cosmetic | $925-$2,500 per tooth | No |
| Bonding | Cosmetic | $300-$600 per tooth | Sometimes |
| Invisalign® | Cosmetic | $3,000-$8,000 | Partly Sometimes |
Restorative work is often covered by insurance because it fixes problems that affect your health.
Cosmetic work is usually not covered because insurance sees it as not needed for health.
Choosing Materials for Your Teeth
Good Materials for Restorations
- Zirconia – Very strong, looks like real teeth
- Composite resin – Matches tooth color, good for small fixes
- Emax – Great for front teeth, very pretty
- Hybrid materials – Mix of glass and resin, good for people with high cavity risk
New Technology Making Dentistry Better
- Digital scanning – No more goopy impressions
- CEREC® – Makes crowns while you wait
- CAD/CAM – Uses computers to design perfect teeth
- 3D printing – Makes models and guides for perfect fit
Digital tools have made the time for getting inlays and onlays much shorter.
Good Candidates for Different Treatments
Who Should Get Restorative Work?
- People with tooth pain
- Those with broken or missing teeth
- People who can’t chew well
- Those with old fillings that need replacing
Who Should Get Cosmetic Work?
- People with healthy teeth but not happy with how they look
- Those with stained teeth
- People with small gaps or slightly crooked teeth
- Those preparing for big events (weddings, etc.)
Finding the Right Dentist
Look for a dentist who:
- Has special training in the treatment you want
- Shows before/after pictures of their work
- Has good reviews from other patients
- Explains all your options
- Uses modern technology
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has a special test for dentists. Those who pass are very skilled at making teeth look nice.
Taking Care of Your New Smile
After getting dental work done, you should:
- Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush
- Floss every day – even around implants and bridges
- Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Avoid biting hard things like ice or pencils
- Get regular checkups every 6 months
- Use special tools for cleaning under bridges
- Wear a sportsguard during sports
Good home care makes your dental work last much longer!
Common Questions People Ask
Does cosmetic dentistry hurt?
Most procedures use numbing medicine so you don’t feel pain during treatment. After treatments like whitening, you might feel some tooth sensitivity that goes away in a few days.
How long do veneers last?
With good care, porcelain veneers last 10-15 years. Composite veneers last 5-7 years before they might need fixing.
Can I combine both treatments?
Yes! Many people get both restorative and cosmetic work. For example, you might get implants to replace missing teeth and then whiten your other teeth to match.
What if I can’t afford the treatment I want?
Talk to your dentist about:
Payment plans
Dental credit cards like CareCredit®
Phasing treatment over time
Alternative treatments (like bonding instead of veneers)
How do I know which treatment is best for me?
Get a full exam and talk with your dentist about what bothers you about your teeth. Good dentists will show you all options, not just the most expensive ones.
When to Choose Restorative vs. Cosmetic
Choose restorative dentistry when:
- You have pain
- You can’t chew well
- You have broken teeth
- You have missing teeth
- You have cavities or infection
Choose cosmetic dentistry when:
- Your teeth work fine but don’t look nice
- You want a whiter smile
- You have small gaps or minor crookedness
- You’re unhappy with the shape of your teeth
- You hide your smile in photos
For complete smile makeovers, you might need full mouth reconstruction which combines both types.
Conclusion
Both restorative and cosmetic dentistry can change your life. Restorative fixes help you eat and talk better. Cosmetic fixes help you feel good about your smile.
The best part is that modern dentistry has many great options. New materials like zirconia look just like real teeth. Digital tools make treatment faster and more exact.
Talk to a dentist who knows both types of dentistry. They can help you make a plan for a healthy, pretty smile that fits your needs and budget.
Remember, a good smile helps you feel good about yourself. It’s worth the time and care to keep your teeth healthy and nice!
