Do I need Orthodontic Treatment or Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dental care that is used to improve the look of your smile, whereas orthodontic treatment is specialized care that is used to improve the position of your teeth and jaw to help fix an improper bite.

To help you better understand the differences between these two types of treatments, Severns Dentistry has put together a guide on cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatment.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a method of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your smile through procedures like dental implants or veneers. If your goal is to whiten your smile or improve the overall look of your teeth, then cosmetic dentistry is your best option.

Cosmetic dentists hold a general dentistry license and have training in providing general dentistry, while some cosmetic dentists combine the two or choose to concentrate on cosmetic procedures.

What are Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?

Many cosmetics dentists use advanced procedures that work to improve your oral health, which in turn helps you achieve perfectly aligned teeth or a whiter smile. Examples of cosmetic procedures include:

• Teeth whitening - Can be done in a few different ways to improve the color of your teeth.
• Onlays and Inlays - Used to provide structural restoration to the teeth.
• Dental veneers - Used to improve the look of your smile.
• Dental bonding - This procedure uses resin-like material that can improve the shape and coloring of the tooth.
• Dental implants - These are used to replace missing teeth.

What is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment often involves more invasive and comprehensive treatments that are used to treat alignment issues with your smile. Orthodontists work to align your upper and lower jaw to encourage proper chewing, speaking, and overall appearance.

Orthodontists all hold a general dentistry license, and they also have additional training and certifications in more advanced areas of oral improvement and health.

What are Orthodontic Procedures/Treatments?

The main objective of orthodontics is to straighten or properly align your teeth. Dental health is the top priority, and the process of straightening the teeth requires advanced treatments. Orthodontics treats a variety of dental issues, including overbites, misplaced midline, open bites, underbites, and more. 

These treatments are used to ensure proper alignment and to encourage jaw and tissue health. Orthodontic treatment can also make oral hygiene easier, therefore improving oral health. Orthodontic treatments include, but are not limited to:

• Fixed appliances - These are tools used to reduce tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. 
• Braces - Metal and invisible braces are used to align and adjust the position of the teeth. 
• Aligners - These are removable tools used to align the teeth. Invisalign is an example of this treatment option. 
• Palatal expanders - This is a treatment option used to widen the upper jaw's arch. 
• Removable retainers - This device works to hold the teeth in their new straight position. These are used after braces to prevent relapse. 

How Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontics Are Combined

On some occasions, combining cosmetic dentistry procedures and orthodontic treatments allow for the best results. Orthodontic treatment creates a solid foundation upon which cosmetic dentistry can build. 

For example, if you have crowded teeth and want veneers, it is best to first address the crowding with orthodontics and then have the veneers done. This will ensure that your bite is aligned to prevent the veneers from breaking. It will also reduce the number of veneers needed to improve your smile. 

Work with Severns For all Your Cosmetic and Orthodontic Needs 

At Severns Dentistry & Orthodontics, we specialize in both orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry. McMurray area patients can rely on our exceptional services for a straighter, healthier smile.