When it comes to improving your smile, you may hear about both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. While these two areas of dental care often overlap, they serve different purposes.
Take a moment as Dr. Ed Trizzino and his team — who offer both restorative and cosmetic dentistry services here at Smiles of Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia — explain the differences between the two.
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and replacing damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. The main goal is to restore the function of your mouth, so you can chew, speak, and smile with ease.
Because restorative dentistry can also address issues like cavities, this branch of dentistry can improve the health of your mouth. As many as 90% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have tooth decay, and that number doesn’t include damage from knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, or chipped teeth.
The takeaway here is that while some restorative procedures also improve appearance, their primary purpose is to rebuild the strength and structure of your teeth.
Depending on the extent of your damaged or diseased tooth, Dr. Trizzino may recommend:
Dr. Trizzino uses composite fillings to repair cavities and prevent further decay. Composite fillings match the color of your teeth so they blend in seamlessly — no telltale metal fillings here!
Another bonus? Because composite fillings are metal-free, you don’t have to worry about mercury exposure.
Dental crowns protect and strengthen weakened or broken teeth. You might need one if you have severe decay, if you have a root canal, or if you need an implant or bridge. Crowns are the prosthetic tooth that completes your restoration.
A dental bridge can replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (called pontics) to neighboring natural teeth. These supporting teeth (called abutment teeth) are fitted with crowns to hold the bridge securely in place.
This pontic-abutment structure helps restore the function of your teeth, maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth, and improve aesthetics.
If you’re missing a tooth (or several teeth), you might consider a dental implant. These prosthetic teeth are permanent thanks to the titanium screw that embeds in your jaw. They restore the appearance of your smile, but they also help prevent jawbone atrophy and shifting teeth.
A root canal can treat infections inside the tooth and save it from extraction.
Cosmetic dentistry boosts the appearance of your teeth and your smile. While some procedures may have functional benefits, the primary goal is to improve aesthetics, such as the color, shape, alignment, or look of your teeth.
If you’re not happy with the look of your smile, you might consider:
Professional teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic services. Here at Smiles of Atlanta, we offer:
In either case, teeth whitening brightens your smile and boosts your self-confidence more efficiently than over-the-counter whitening products.
Dr. Trizzino repairs chipped or misshapen teeth using tooth-colored resin. The bonding material is shaped directly onto your tooth and cured with an ultraviolet light — in just 30-60 minutes per tooth.
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surface of your teeth, and they can alter the shape, size, and color of your teeth. Dr. Trizzino offers traditional veneers and Lumineers®, a type of veneer that doesn’t require as much prep.
In a rush? We also offer chairside veneers so you can get yours in one sitting — rather than the typical two appointments.
If your teeth are worn, Dr. Trizzino can re-contour them to give you back a more youthful smile. This service can also remove chips.
If you have decayed, damaged, or missing teeth, restorative dentistry can help you restore a healthy smile. However, if your teeth are healthy but you’d like to improve their appearance, cosmetic dentistry may be the right choice.
In many cases, the two overlap — for example, a dental crown can restore a damaged tooth while also improving its look.
No matter what you need, the Smiles of Atlanta team is here to help you get the dental care you need — regardless of the category.
To schedule a consultation, use our online booking system or call us at 770-407-8459.
