Reconstructive vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

Serving Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township and surrounding areas of Michigan

How do you know if you need reconstructive dentistry or cosmetic dentistry? It helps to understand the differences—and similarities—between the two.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry generally addresses dental issues related more to beauty than to function, including:

• Porcelain Veneers
• Porcelain Crowns
• Dental Bonding
• Tooth Colored Fillings
• Tooth Whitening
• Invisalign

Reconstructive Dentistry

Reconstructive Dentistry is much more complex than cosmetic dentistry and is often performed in conjunction with sedation. Reconstructive dentistry generally addresses issues related to the teeth, jaw, gums and overall oral health, including:

• TMD/TMJ
• Missing, chipped or broken teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Gummy Smile
• Bridges and Dentures
• Dental Implants
• Endodontics

Reconstructive dentistry is often needed as a result of an accident, heredity, disease, or poor oral care. Although many of the techniques and procedures associated with reconstructive dentistry can also be applied to cosmetic dentistry, reconstructive dentistry is often medically necessary to restore function to the mouth and teeth. In contrast, a patient desiring dental implants, porcelain veneers or Invisalign to create a more beautiful and appealing smile may not have urgent medical reasons to seek these enhancements.

If you’ve ever heard of a smile makeover, then you may better understand this concept. A smile makeover can erase years off your face by correcting dental issues such as gapped teeth, stained teeth or crooked teeth. Or maybe your old fillings need to be replaced with beautiful new tooth colored fillings. All of this is done with the goal of creating a more dazzling smile.

For the individual requiring reconstructive dentistry, however, a ‘full mouth reconstruction’ may be appropriate and can include dental implants, Endodontics, dentures and oral surgery that simultaneously address severe dental issues that are predicted to affect the health, function, and appearance of the teeth and gums.

To learn more about both of these specialized fields of dentistry, please contact us to schedule a private, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Kurt Doolin or Dr. Jeffery Haddad. We look forward to serving your needs.

All people featured on this website are actual cosmetic patients of Dr. Doolin and Dr. Haddad.