Restorative Dentistry

Are restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry the same thing?

Restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry both correct oral health problems, but they aren’t the same thing:

Restorative dentistry

Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces damaged, decaying, or missing permanent teeth. It prevents problems from progressing so your smile stays healthy.

Cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on your smile’s overall appearance. Rather than correcting underlying oral health problems, it works to make your teeth and gums more beautiful and symmetrical. 

What services does restorative dentistry provide?

The Smile By the Station Dentistry team offers several types of restorative dentistry, including:

Crowns

A dental crown covers a damaged or severely decaying tooth. The crown restores your tooth’s shape and size, improving your biting and chewing abilities.

Bridges

A dental bridge “bridges” a gap in your smile caused by a knocked-out or extracted tooth. 

Bridges have a false tooth (pontic) and two crowns or a metal frame. The false tooth fills the gap in your smile, and the crowns or frame hold it in place.

Dental implants

Dental implants are small titanium posts used to replace your tooth roots. They fuse with your upper or lower jaw after placement, providing a foundation for crowns, bridges, or implant-retained dentures.

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that replace most or all of your natural teeth. They rest on top of your gums, letting you bite and chew confidently. 

Fillings

Dental fillings repair minor enamel damage caused by cavities or general wear-and-tear. The Smile By the Station Dentistry team offers tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin. These fillings look all-natural and blend in with your smile. 

Are the results of restorative dentistry permanent?

Restorative dentistry techniques, like crowns and bridges, provide lasting results, but they aren’t permanent. Since restorations are synthetic and made from materials like ceramic and plastic, they break down due to brushing, flossing, biting, and chewing.

Most dental restorations last 10-12 years* on average. To keep your dental restorations in top condition, brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and visit Smile By the Station Dentistry every six months for dental cleanings and professional oral exams.

Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule a restorative dentistry consultation, or book your appointment online. 

*Individual results may vary.