Dental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and maintaining a healthy smile involves a combination of practices and treatments.

While many people are familiar with brushing and flossing, there is often confusion about the distinction between preventative dentistry and restorative dentistry. Both play vital roles in maintaining oral health, but they address different needs.

That’s why our dental expert and CEO at Enlighten, Sanjay Patel, mentions the different types of dentistry — touching on what they are and why they’re important.

What is preventative dentistry?

Preventative dentistry focuses on maintaining oral health to prevent issues like cavities, gum disease, and enamel erosion before they arise. The goal is to keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition through regular care and early detection.

Examples of Preventative Dentistry:

· Routine Check-ups: Visiting your dentist every six months for examinations and professional cleanings.

You should schedule regular dental check-ups for preventative care and address any concerns early. Warning signs that may require restorative treatment include:

- Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity.

- Bleeding or swollen gums.

- Cracked, chipped, or missing teeth.

- Difficulty chewing or speaking.

Delaying treatment can often lead to more extensive and costly procedures, so early intervention is crucial.

· Dental Sealants: A protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay.

· Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening enamel to resist acid attacks from plaque and sugars.

· Oral Hygiene Education: Teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques to maintain a clean mouth.

· Lifestyle Advice: Guidance on dietary choices, smoking cessation, and managing habits like teeth grinding (bruxism).

You can read our fully descriptive article about why it is important to see a dental hygienist!

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry, on the other hand, comes into play when dental problems occur. Its focus is to repair or replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile.

Examples of Restorative Dentistry:

· Fillings: Used to treat cavities by filling in decayed areas with composite resin or other materials.

· Crowns: Caps placed over damaged teeth to protect and strengthen them.

· Bridges and Dentures: Solutions for replacing one or more missing teeth.

· Root Canal Therapy: A procedure to save a severely infected or decayed tooth.

· Dental Implants: Permanent replacements for missing teeth that mimic the structure of natural teeth.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry (aesthetic dentistry) focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, dental bonding and veneers.

Examples of cosmetic dentistry:

· Teeth whitening: Professional teeth whitening can dramatically and safely lighten the shade of your teeth.

· Dental bonding: Dental bonding can change the shape of a tooth to make it longer, wider or more uniform. It can conceal cracks, craze lines (hairline cracks), discoloration and other cosmetic imperfections.

· Veneers: Made of medical-grade ceramic, porcelain veneers are thin, strong shells that adhere to the front surfaces of your teeth. Like dental bonding, veneers can conceal a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including chips, cracks and discoloration.

· Tooth contouring: This procedure removes small amounts of tooth enamel to change the shape of your teeth. Because you only have so much natural enamel, there’s a limit to how much your dentist can remove.

· Gum contouring: Excess gum tissue can make your smile appear “gummy” or uneven. During gum contouring surgery, your dentist removes excess gum tissue and reshapes your gum line for a more symmetrical, balanced appearance.

How do preventative and restorative dentistry work together?

Preventative dentistry is the first line of defence, aiming to avoid the need for restorative treatments. 

However, even with the best preventative care, some issues may still arise due to genetics, accidents, or ageing. When this happens, restorative dentistry steps in to repair the damage and restore oral health.

For instance:

· Regular cleanings (preventative) can reduce the risk of cavities, but if a cavity develops, a filling (restorative) will prevent further decay.

· A custom mouthguard (preventative) can protect teeth from grinding damage, but if grinding has already caused a crack, a crown (restorative) may be necessary. 

Choose Enlighten the UK’s leading teeth-whitening solution

At Enlighten, we understand that every smile is one of a kind and deserves personalised care. That’s why we provide a gentle, customised whitening treatment to improve both the health and appearance of your teeth.

Visit one of our certified dentists for professional, non-invasive treatments that keep your smile radiant. 

Want to learn more? Discover our expert guides filled with tips, advice, and the latest updates to help you maintain a confident, luminous smile!

› DIG DEEPER ‹

Learn more about the Enlighten Teeth Whitening System HERE.

And to find an Enlighten whitening expert near you, hit the link below. 

FIND A DENTIST

Or if it’s mini smile makeovers you want to dig deeper into, then give it a click right HERE.

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