Orange County Cosmetic / Restorative Dentistry Newport Beach Cosmetic Dentist
Restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry can be classified by treatment that is needed versus treatment that is wanted. Restorative dentistry refers to dental treatments that are necessary to preserve the health and function of the teeth and gums, while cosmetic dentistry refers to treatments that are desired to improve the appearance the smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is defined as the branch of dentistry that deals with the appearance of teeth. "Cosmetic work" generally refers to any type of dental work that is carried out to improve the overall appearance of a person's smile.
Cosmetic dentistry treatments include:
- Teeth whitening
- Porcelain veneers
- Dental bonding
- Porcelain inlays/onlays
- Invisalign®
Because cosmetic dentistry procedures are generally considered "elective" services, they are often not covered by insurance.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is defined as the branch of dentistry that is concerned with restoring the health and function of diseased and damaged teeth and gums.
Restorative dentistry treatments include:
- Dental implants
- Dental bridges
- Dental crowns
- Dentures
The goal of restorative dentistry is restoring smiles. This is achieved by preserving oral hygiene, removing diseased sections of teeth, and restoring the strength of the bite.
The Overlap
There are a variety of dental procedures that can be classified as both a cosmetic and restorative treatment. In fact, virtually all dental treatments have a cosmetic and functional benefit, for example, dental implants. Implants improve the appearance of smiles by filling in unattractive gaps between teeth. More importantly, implants preserve the health of a person's bite by preventing surrounding teeth from shifting.
Treatments that have both significant cosmetic and restorative benefits include:
- Dental implants
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Orthodontics
Consulting a Dentist
Most dentists have the training to perform both cosmetic and restorative treatment; however, when your oral health is at stake, it's best to consult an experienced and well-trained cosmetic and restorative dentist. Before you begin treatment, make sure your dentist has the experience, training, and knowledge necessary to give you the best result possible. Ask to see before and after photos, if you are pleased with what you see, schedule a consultation to learn more about your options.
