Cosmetic Dentistry And Restorative Dentistry Are They The Same?
Cosmetic dentistry has become one of the most popular areas of dentistry in recent years. Many people have a bit of confusion, however, and their question is: Cosmetic Dentistry and Restorative Dentistry Are They The Same? And this is an excellent question! Though there are similarities between the two, there are also a few differences. Whereas a Boulder cosmetic dentist can also be a restorative dentist, the level of expertise between them is what sets cosmetic dentists apart. While restorative procedures mainly ensure the proper function of the teeth, cosmetic dentists focus on that plus the appearance of the teeth and the smile. In a sense, they are rather like artists in addition to being scientists.
Although people may not think that enhancing the appearance of the teeth is a very complicated procedure, it does require a greater understanding of the anatomy of teeth, as well as dental materials. When you consider as well that the dentist must have a full understanding of the patients vision for their smile, they must then relay that vision to a lab technician so that all are on the same page, so to speak. Cosmetic dentistry also requires extensive training in order to comply with the high standards of the field and to keep abreast of new techniques.
While there may be some overlap between cosmetic and restorative dentistry, the biggest difference lies in the fact that restorative procedures are related more to diseases of the teeth, restoring the function of supporting structures, as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Some of these procedures would include periodontics and endodontics. Periodontics concerns things such as gum disease and bone loss. Endodontics can include root canals, bridges and dentures. An endodontist completes two to three years of additional training with a concentration on root canal therapy. One overlap area between the two specialties might be dental implants, which are often provided by both cosmetic and restorative dentists.
Both restorative and cosmetic dentistry specialists require additional and ongoing training in order to keep up with the new technology that seems to appear daily. This should definitely be a deciding factor in your decision making when choosing either type of specialist. Check out their website and see what types of technology they use for the various procedures. Research the newer technologies first so you have first-hand knowledge of the most up-to-date techniques and solutions.
So, back to the question: Cosmetic Dentistry And Restorative Dentistry Are They The Same? The complete answer would probably be no, but they are very similar. It is possible to visit a dentist that practices both cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and that would be a win-win. Besides, in reality, isnt every dentist a cosmetic dentist? I dont know of any dentist that would provide ugly dentistry care on purpose, do you?