Downsview Dental Care Cosmetic Dentistry A Smile Worth Paying For | Page 5

What is the difference between Cosmetic and
Restorative dentistry?
The main difference being that restorative dentistry has a focus on functionality and the
goal of providing a patient with a full set of functioning teeth. A restorative dentist will
fix structural damage to teeth or replace missing teeth so they will use dentures, crowns,
implants, bridges and overlays to restore the patient’s teeth to be in good working order.
Whereas, cosmetic dentistry goes a step further and not only provides the patient with
functioning teeth but will strive to improve the appearance so that they have a perfect
smile. Therefore, despite not being recognized as a dental profession cosmetic dentists
are actually restorative dentists who have undertaken additional extensive training on
smile design and in the use of many of the specialist techniques and materials unique to
cosmetic practice.