Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Orthodontics: Which is Right for You?

Are you looking to improve the look of your teeth? As you do your research on teeth aesthetics, you may notice that cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics have similar pursuits. Both a cosmetic dentist and orthodontist strive to improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth and facial form.

But while the goals may be similar, there are many differences between cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. Understanding what procedures cosmetic dentistry in Bonney Lake and orthodontics offer can help you decide which is right for your needs.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

From the word itself, this branch of dentistry focuses on cosmetic enhancement. A cosmetic dentist specializes in improving the appearance of your teeth and smile, primarily through treatments like teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, veneers, and more.

These treatments are mostly cosmetic in nature and do not necessarily improve the functionality of your teeth. Instead, they focus on giving each patient the look and feel that boosts their confidence and makes them smile more.

But while they are not intended to improve teeth function, some procedures, like cosmetic bonding and veneers, also serve a practical purpose. Cosmetic bonding is used to repair broken or chipped teeth; veneers can also fix cosmetic issues like gaps or stained teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

1. Cosmetic Bonding

This procedure uses a tooth-colored composite material to repair damaged teeth or fill in cosmetic flaws. Also known as dental bonding, this method can improve the look of your smile by filling in gaps and cracks or reshaping teeth.

2. Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are cosmetic restorations that repair mildly damaged teeth. They are crafted from a resin, porcelain, or ceramic material and can improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth. They match your teeth’s natural color and texture, giving you a more natural-looking smile.

3. Tooth Contouring and Reshaping

Tooth reshaping, also known as cosmetic contouring, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves sculpting and polishing the teeth to give them a more aesthetically pleasing shape. It is used to improve the appearance of crooked, chipped, or overlapping teeth.

4. Gum Contouring

Are you concerned about having a “gummy” smile? Gum contouring, also known as cosmetic gum reshaping, is a dental procedure that can help address a gummy smile. It involves the removal of excess tissue and re-sculpting of the gum line to improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth.

5. Teeth Whitening

Our teeth discolor over time due to aging, eating certain foods and drinks, or smoking. To improve their appearance and achieve a bright-looking smile, cosmetic dentistry offers teeth whitening treatments to lighten and brighten the color of your pearly whites.

6. Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surface of your teeth. They are one of the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry treatments because they dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth. Veneers are used to close gaps, hide stains or discoloration, lengthen pointed teeth, or simply make the patient’s teeth look more attractive.

7. Restorative Appliances

Cosmetic dentists may also use cosmetic restorative appliances such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants to help improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth. These are typically used to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth or to restore the shape and structure of the teeth and face.

What is Orthodontics?

Not everyone erupts teeth in perfect alignment. In some cases, teeth may be crooked or overlap each other. In worse cases, their upper and lower sets of teeth do not meet properly causing poor bite and jaw issues. This is where orthodontics comes in.

Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaw structures. They use braces, retainers, and other devices to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. Orthodontic treatments can improve your bite by centering the top and bottom jaws correctly. It can also help with cosmetic issues like an overbite or underbite, and even gaps between teeth.

Orthodontic Procedures & Treatments

1. Braces

Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment that aims to straighten teeth. An orthodontist attaches brackets to the front teeth and links them with a wire that gently moves the teeth into place. These brackets can be made from metal, ceramic, or silver materials. They can also come in traditional mechanisms or lingual, 3D printed, or self-ligating types.

2. Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses removable, clear plastic trays to slowly move teeth into the desired position. Unlike traditional braces, they are almost invisible and can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth. They require a higher level of compliance to the treatment but are practical and disrupt your lifestyle needs less.

3. Retainers

Retainers are devices that keep your teeth in the desired position after they are straightened by braces. They can be permanent or removable, and a patient may need to wear them through the night or for a few hours during the day. Retainers may be necessary after braces to ensure that your teeth stay in their corrected position.

4. Palatal Expanders & Space Maintainers (for pediatric patients)

Children often have teeth problems that are different from adults. This is why some orthodontic treatments may be specific to a pediatric patient. Orthodontists use palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw and create more space for teeth to grow in. Space maintainers, on the other hand, hold the space in your mouth when a baby loses a milk tooth prematurely.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

The best choice between going to a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist lies in your needs and preferences. If you are looking to improve the cosmetic aspect of your teeth and smile, and you don’t have severely crooked or misaligned teeth, cosmetic dentistry may be the better option for you.

On the other hand, if you have severe bite problems and crooked teeth, orthodontics may be the right choice. A cosmetic dentist would not be able to correct your bite and likely wouldn’t be able to give you the cosmetic results that you are looking for.

Here are some situations that can make it hard for you to choose between the two:

You have gaps between your teeth.

In this case, cosmetic dentistry may be the better option as it can address both cosmetic and functional issues. Procedures like bonding, veneers, or crowns can fill in the gaps. However, if this gap is part of a bigger issue of misalignment, you may need orthodontic treatment.

Your teeth look uneven.

Having uneven teeth can range from cosmetic to functional problems. If the unevenness is not a product of misalignment, cosmetic dentistry may be a better option. However, if your unevenness comes from an underlying bite issue, you should consult an orthodontist for treatment.

You have cosmetic issues and bite problems.

If you have both cosmetic and functional issues, then a combination of cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatment may be needed. Your cosmetic dentist and orthodontist can work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will address both issues.

Consult the Most Trusted Cosmetic Dentist in Bonney Lake WA

Our team of experts recommends consulting a cosmetic dentist to address issues you may be unsure of. Take note that cosmetic dental procedures are generally completed in 1-3 visits, while orthodontic treatments can take anywhere from 6-36 months.

Our cosmetic dentists at Dentistry at Bonney Lake are highly experienced and can help you determine the best treatment option for you. We offer general dentistry procedures as well as cosmetic treatments including teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, and more. Contact us today for a consultation and to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can be used to improve your smile and oral health.