Cosmetic 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.
Let us take a look at cosmetic dental treatments that also have restorative purposes.
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.
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.
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.
Not all cosmetic treatments provide restorative benefits. Examples of treatments that are performed purely to improve how a tooth looks include:
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dental Services in Lakewood, IL
Our dentist can help restore the appearance and function of any damaged teeth that you have. Call or visit our Lakewood clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Leix Dental at 815-604-6104 for an appointment in our Lakewood office.
Are you considering cosmetic dental services to enhance your smile? Some people may think that cosmetic treatments are only about appearances. However, many cosmetic dental services are functional and cosmetic. Having straight teeth and an aligned bite can improve your smile in more than just appearance.Over the years, modern cosmetic dentistry has expanded to include…
Cosmetic dental services often involve using tooth-colored restorations to restore damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth. Restorations, like crowns, can be made from materials like gold, silver, and metal alloys, but these materials look nothing like natural teeth. Most patients prefer restorations made from materials that share properties with real teeth, like porcelain, ceramics, and composites.…
Cosmetic dental services can transform a person's smile by treating oral health issues like teeth crowding. A cosmetic dentist will use whichever dental procedures benefit their patient. It is not uncommon for a cosmetic dentist to use orthodontics or restorative dentistry to improve a smile. The type of treatment that the dentist recommends will depend…
An appointment with a family dentist will always be customized according to a patient’s unique needs, but there are still a few things that you can typically expect. Family dentists aim to identify problems early, before they become significant issues. They will strive to ensure that your teeth last as long as possible while giving…
A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the same side of a dental arch. It is one of the most common dental replacements you can get. Knowing how to care for it can help maintain your new smile for a long time. Here are some tips for ensuring…