Differences Between Cosmetic Dental Services and Restorative Procedures

Differences Between Cosmetic Dental Services and Restorative Procedures from Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston, TXCosmetic dental services should not be confused with restorative procedures. Cosmetic treatments aim to improve the way that your teeth and gums look, while restorative treatments are performed to restore the function of damaged teeth.

However, many restorative treatments used in dentistry also provide cosmetic benefits. Crowns, for example, are designed to look like natural teeth. A crown encases the tooth that it is placed on. It restores the tooth’s appearance, but it also protects it from bite forces and irritants in the mouth. Improving the appearance of your teeth with cosmetic dental services often gives you restorative benefits and vice versa.

Exploring the differences between cosmetic dental services and restorative treatments

Let us take a look at cosmetic dental treatments that also have restorative purposes.

1. Crowns

Crowns can be placed for cosmetic or restorative reasons. They are durable restorations that can withstand bite forces and cat last up to 25 years when properly maintained.

Issues that crowns can be used to fix include decayed, deformed, broken, fractured, short, and discolored teeth. Crowns can also be used to close gaps between teeth, and they are often attached to other restorations, like dentures, bridges, and implants.

The conventional method for placing crowns requires two dental visits. The first visit is used to prepare the patient’s tooth for the crown by removing enamel from its sides. An impression of the patient’s tooth is also taken during the appointment, and a temporary crown is used to protect the tooth.

The impression is sent to a dental lab where crowns are made. It takes about two weeks. The patient returns to the office when their custom crown is ready. The dentist swaps the temporary crown with the customized one to complete the treatment.

2. Composite bonding

Composite bonding is a non-invasive treatment that also provides restorative and cosmetic benefits. The composites used for these treatments are putty-like materials that are applied to teeth and molded as desired.

The composite can be used to rebuild teeth structures, or it can be used to improve the tooth’s appearance by covering up issues like discoloration. Getting a tooth restored with dental bonding takes about 45 minutes, and the patient can leave with a better-looking, more functional tooth.

3. Implants

Implants are used to replace missing teeth, restoring the patient’s smile and the function of the lost teeth. They can also prevent the bone tissue loss that takes place after losing teeth.

Strictly cosmetic treatments

Not all cosmetic treatments provide restorative benefits. Examples of treatments that are performed purely to improve how a tooth looks include:

  • Teeth whitening: This involves using bleaching agents to remove stains from teeth surfaces and deep within them
  • Veneers: These tooth-shaped shells cover the fronts of teeth, improving their appearance
  • Teeth reshaping: This involves shaving off small portions of enamel to improve a tooth’s appearance

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dental Services in Houston, TX

Explore cosmetic and restorative treatments

Our dentist can help restore the appearance and function of any damaged teeth that you have. Call or visit our Houston clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment or call Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles at 713-979-4127 for an appointment in our Houston office.

Recent Posts

Cosmetic Dental Services To Restore The Shape Of Teeth

Cosmetic dental services can be performed to help restore the shape of damaged teeth. Teeth are regularly exposed to bite forces and acids that can break off parts of their structures. They can also be damaged by bad habits like teeth grinding or by getting hit in the face.Damaged teeth can affect the appearance of…

Cosmetic Dental Services Options With Implants

Dental implants are among the cosmetic dental services that might be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. They are also the only teeth replacement options that prevent the bone tissue loss that can take place when teeth and their roots fall out.Bone tissues in the jaw get stimulated by teeth roots when…

Cosmetic Dental Services For Multiple Teeth At Once

Certain cosmetic dental services like teeth whitening can be performed to address issues that affect multiple teeth at once.Let us look at a few of the cosmetic dental services that can be used to improve the aesthetics of more than one tooth simultaneously.Teeth whitening treatments are among the fastest ways to improve how a person’s…

Recent Posts

What Does A Dentist Recommend For Teeth Whitening

What Does A Dentist Recommend For Teeth Whitening

A dentist recommends teeth whitening for patients that have mild to moderate teeth stains. They use a peroxide bleach that can safely target and remove stains on visible front teeth, improving the color and shade of your smile. The following is a discussion of professional teeth whitening and how to determine if treatment is right…

What Are Preventive Treatments Offered By A General Dentist?

What Are Preventive Treatments Offered By A General Dentist?

General dentists spend a significant portion of their time performing preventative dental treatments. These treatments reduce the odds of common dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, from developing in the future. Preventative care saves patients time and money by making it less likely that they will develop severe dental problems that call for…

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry logo
American Dental Association logo
Acadaemy of General Dentistry logo
clearcorrect logo
International Association for Orthodontics logo
International Congress of Oral Implantologists logo
LVI Global logo
Top Doctor Logo
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry logo
American Dental Association logo
Acadaemy of General Dentistry logo
Top Doctor Logo
clearcorrect logo
International Association for Orthodontics logo
International Congress of Oral Implantologists logo
LVI Global logo