When you think about improving your smile, you might hear terms like “cosmetic dentistry” and “restorative dentistry.” While they sound similar, they serve different purposes. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on making your teeth look better, while restorative dentistry repairs damaged or missing teeth to restore function. At Lake Baldwin Dental, we offer both restorative and cosmetic dentistry in Orlando, FL to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Let’s break down the differences so you can make the best decision for your oral health.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry improves the appearance of your teeth and smile. If you want whiter, straighter, or more uniform teeth, cosmetic treatments can help. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they aren’t necessary for oral health but can boost your confidence. However, some cosmetic treatments also strengthen and protect your teeth.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

• Teeth Whitening: Brightens stained or discolored teeth.
• Porcelain Veneers: Thin shells that cover the front of teeth to improve shape, size, and color.
• Dental Bonding: Repairs minor chips, cracks, or gaps using tooth-colored resin.
• Invisalign or Braces: Straightens teeth for a more aligned smile.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces teeth that are damaged, decayed, or missing. These treatments improve oral health, restore chewing function, and prevent future problems. Unlike cosmetic procedures, restorative treatments are often medically necessary and may be covered by insurance.

Common Restorative Dental Treatments

• Dental Fillings: Fix cavities and prevent further decay.
• Crowns: Cover and protect weak or broken teeth.
• Bridges: Replace missing teeth using artificial teeth anchored by crowns.
• Dental Implants: Replace missing teeth with permanent, natural-looking restorations.
• Dentures: Restore multiple missing teeth for better function and appearance.

Key Differences Between Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry

At Lake Baldwin Dental, we pride ourselves on taking the most conservative approach to help you enjoy the best possible oral health long-term. To do that, we’ll always take the time to explain all appropriate options for your needs as well as your smile goals to help you make a fully informed decision about your care, including your insurance and financing options.

While the decision between a restorative or cosmetic treatment will be determined by your oral health needs, it can be helpful to understand the differences between these two types of procedures.

Purpose

• Cosmetic dentistry improves how your teeth look.
• Restorative dentistry repairs and restores function.

Insurance Coverage

• Most cosmetic procedures aren’t covered by insurance because they’re elective. However, third-party dental financing options like CareCredit can help.
• Restorative treatments, like fillings or crowns, are usually covered by insurance because they protect your oral health.

Types of Procedures

• There is a lot of overlap between cosmetic and restorative procedures.
• Some treatments, such as teeth whitening, have a purely cosmetic purpose but can negatively impact your oral health if they’re not done right.
• Many treatments serve both cosmetic and restorative purposes. For example, a dental crown can strengthen a weak tooth and repair damage while also improving the appearance of your smile.

Our Comprehensive Approach

Our team offers both restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments in one convenient place so your smile can get exactly what it needs for ideal health and beauty. While dental insurance providers consider cosmetic and restorative dentistry to be two separate things, the line between these treatments is incredibly flexible in most cases.

We take a holistic approach to dentistry, meaning we have your health and quality of life in mind at all times. Our goal for every treatment plan is to enhance your day-to-day experience with treatments that deliver lasting results while preserving as much of your healthy natural enamel as possible. So, while many people come to us looking for a cosmetic dentist in Orlando because they’re unhappy with the look of their smile, our plan will always prioritize health and function.

When Cosmetic Dentistry Improves Oral Health

We recently posted a story about a patient who was unhappy with the look of his smile because his teeth were worn down and too short. While his primary concern was cosmetic in nature, we worked to rebuild the natural height of his teeth, helping to stabilize his jaw health and prevent loss of function in the future.

Similarly, we frequently recommend an alternative approach to dental veneers that offer better coverage and superior longevity, preventing many of the issues that can happen with traditional veneers while strengthening the teeth.

Loving your smile is important. It can enhance your confidence and mental health and even improve your career prospects and social life. But a beautiful smile should never come at the cost of your oral health. With our team, you’ll always get proven and predictable treatments provided with genuine care for your wellbeing.

Your Smile Matters. Give It the Care It Deserves!

These days, there are plenty of products and services out there promising a cheap, quick fix for smile zone flaws. From mail-order braces to unlicensed veneer techs, we can get bombarded with ads and social media posts making huge claims about delivering a dream smile.

As tempting as it might be, remember that even cosmetic dentistry should always prioritize your wellness. Your teeth and gums are an essential part of your general health. So if you’re considering cosmetic dental treatments, be sure to trust your smile to a qualified expert who will prioritize your oral health.

Likewise, if you need restorative dentistry, it’s worth partnering with a dental team who can provide beautiful, natural-looking treatments that won’t compromise the look of your smile.

That’s where our team shines! We proudly partner with expert technicians who make our custom smile designs a reality to deliver truly exceptional results with every treatment. Beautiful restorations are part of how we help you keep smiling, Orlando!