What Is the Difference Between Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry?
You may have come across the terms “cosmetic” and “reconstructive” dentistry while researching dental procedures. Both these branches of dentistry can be important for good dental care and oral health. However, they have different aims.
The main difference between cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry is that cosmetic dental procedures focus on improving the appearance of the teeth and gums. In contrast, reconstructive dental treatment focuses on the replacement or repair of damaged or missing teeth to restore the mouth to full working order.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that focuses on improving the look of a patient's teeth, gums, and bite. Dental treatments like cosmetic bonding, implants, and veneers can be used to alter the appearance, shape, color, size, position, and alignment of a patient's teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing result.
In a study conducted by Moon and Miller, 86% of subjects reported being willing to go through cosmetic dental surgery to improve their appearance. The same study reported a greater willingness among young people, suggesting that cosmetic procedures will become more popular in the future as young people try to mimic the perfect smiles they see on social media.
You may benefit from cosmetic procedures if you have:
Cracked or chipped teeth
Gaps between your teeth
Discolored or stained teeth
Misshapen teeth
Poorly aligned teeth
Common Cosmetic Procedures
Some of the most common cosmetic procedures include:
Teeth whitening. Teeth whitening lightens and brightens teeth. In our Bakersfield, CA office, we make custom whitening trays that can lighten teeth by up to three to five shades.
Dental bonding. Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin to fill chips and lengthen short teeth.
Porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells that are applied to the front of the teeth. People typically use veneers to cover discolored or slightly uneven teeth, or to close a large gap between visible front teeth.
Tooth and gum contouring. In this procedure, laser light is used to gently remove excess gum from especially “gummy” smiles.
Invisalign. Invisalign straightens slightly crooked teeth using a graduated series of clear retainers.
What Is Reconstructive Dentistry?
Reconstructive dentistry, also known as restorative dentistry, restores oral function and oral health.
You may need reconstructive dental procedures if you have:
Cavities
Damaged teeth
Missing teeth
Common Reconstructive Dental Procedures
Patients will be very familiar with many of the most common reconstructive dental procedures. Some of the most widely used procedures include:
Dental fillings. Dentists use fillings to treat cavities in teeth. This involves removing the decayed tissue and filling the space with a biocompatible material such as composite resin or porcelain.
Crowns. A dental crown is a cap that can be placed on a damaged tooth to restore its shape and size. The crown strengthens the tooth as well as improving its appearance.
Inlays or onlays. These are similar to fillings but are custom-made in a dental lab before being placed on the patient’s teeth. Inlays fit inside the tooth whereas onlays cover part of the tooth’s outer surface.
Root canal therapy. Dentists use root canals to treat damage or decay that has reached the tooth root. This becomes especially urgent if the tooth’s root has become infected. Root canal surgery is typically performed to save teeth that would otherwise need to be removed.
Dental implants.Dental implants are one option for replacing missing teeth. Because missing teeth can cause various medical problems, implants serve a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.
Bridges. A dental bridge is another option for replacing missing teeth. Your dentist will recommend one type of bridge or another based on your oral health and the condition of the surrounding teeth.
What Are the Main Differences?
Though cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry overlap in some aspects, there are a couple of key differences that distinguish one from the other.
Essential vs Non-Essential
Many say that cosmetic procedures are elective while reconstructive procedures serve an essential, health-focused purpose. While some patients may elect to undergo cosmetic procedures to improve a smile that’s already attractive, cosmetic dentistry can sometimes be needed if dental problems are affecting a person’s self-confidence or speech.
For example, cosmetic dental care can be essential when:
A patient has gone through trauma that damaged their visible front teeth.
A patient feels strongly that cosmetic dental treatment will improve their quality of life or help them overcome low self-confidence caused by the look of their teeth or gums.
Reconstructive treatments are often necessary to improve oral health, prevent further pain, infection, or decay, and restore the functionality of your teeth. Restorative procedures are necessary when you:
Have tooth decay that’s more than surface deep
Have fractured teeth
Experience pain due to tooth damage
Develop an infection in your teeth or gums
Are unable to consume food because of pain or discomfort
Cosmetic procedures are often elective and non-urgent whereas reconstructive procedures are often absolutely necessary and urgent in nature. However, cosmetic procedures could be considered necessary in some circumstances.
It’s also important to note that the same procedure could be used both for restorative and cosmetic purposes. A dentist can place a crown to protect a tooth from decay or damage in a restorative procedure. A dentist who places a crown to improve the shape, color, or size of a tooth, however, would consider it a cosmetic procedure.
Materials Used for Each
Since cosmetic procedures focus on aesthetics, it's important to use materials that will be aesthetically pleasing. Many of the materials used are chosen for their durability but also for their color or translucent qualities. For example, composite fillings and porcelain inlays and onlays can be color-matched to your existing teeth.
Restorations tend to use materials that are durable but affordable. They may not be as aesthetically pleasing, for example, amalgam fillings, which are made out of various metals, but are strong and get the job done. Please note that many dental offices in the United States no longer place amalgam fillings. Composite resin is typically used instead.
Consult a Trusted Dentist
If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or any other negative effects of damaged teeth, professional treatment shouldn't be delayed. A trusted dentist can advise you on the best course of treatment and suggest how to look after your oral health going forward.
Many of our patients have already benefited from both cosmetic and restorative procedures that improve their oral health and boost their confidence. Consult a dentist when you feel pain, discomfort, or dissatisfaction with your teeth to find out which dental treatment would be most appropriate for you.