Restorative Dentist: Improving Form of the Smile

A restorative dentist plays an important role in dental health and aesthetics. Damaged or missing teeth can impact a smile's appearance and cause problems for oral health and function. This is why restorative dentists offer a range of repair and replacement procedures to keep a patient's smile looking and feeling the way it should.

A restorative dentist explained

A restorative dentist is any dentist who repairs and replaces teeth. Though not an official ADA-recognized specialty, it is vital to dentistry. The most common restorative dental procedure is the dental filling, a procedure most people have had. Other common restorative dental procedures include:

• Inlays/onlays
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Dental implants
• Dentures
• Bonding

Any procedure that restores the form and function of teeth is restorative dentistry. Though this area of dentistry also provides cosmetic benefits, its goal is to repair teeth so they function better and support oral health.

Benefits of restorative dentistry

Restorative dentistry is crucial for the optimum appearance and function of the smile. The advantages of restorative dentistry apply to all interconnected aspects of the smile: its appearance, function, and health. Here is a closer look at these three key areas and how they benefit from the work of a restorative dentist.

Improves appearance

It is no secret that people want their teeth to look good so they can feel positive about their smiles. When damage to teeth is repaired through procedures like crowns and dental bonding, the smile takes on a more flawless appearance. The various teeth replacement options help patients keep a full smile without worrying about missing spaces when they show their teeth. Also, replacing missing teeth helps the smile stay well aligned, another important part of smile aesthetics. What's more, teeth replacement helps prevent jawbone loss that can cause unwelcome changes to the shape of the lower part of the face.

Restored oral function

Missing or damaged teeth can cause a host of problems for oral function. Not only is chewing function impacted, but speaking is as well. Missing only one or two teeth can affect chewing and the pronunciation of words. In addition, the longer teeth remain missing, the more likely other teeth will shift out of place, disrupting the ideal smile alignment for chewing, speaking, and overall dental comfort.

Advantages for oral health

Smile alignment is necessary for oral function and makes it easier to care for teeth. This adds even more importance to restoring a full set of teeth to keep that alignment and retain the jawbone density necessary to hold teeth firmly in place. Repairing cracks, chips, and other dental damage is also key. Not only do repair teeth look more appealing, but they have better protection from further damage, tooth decay, and infection.