Smile confidently: A guide to cosmetic and restorative dentistry

In his latest online article, Dr Sheraz Aleem gives us his insights into cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He talks about the key differences between the two, how cosmetic dentistry procedures can improve the appearance and function of the teeth, the typical procedures involved in a smile makeover, if there are non-invasive options available for restoring damaged teeth and how long recovery can take for common cosmetic dental procedures.

What are the key differences between cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments?

The key difference between the two is that cosmetic dentistry refers to cosmetic treatments such as dental veneers, crowns, composite bonding and teeth straightening. Cosmetic dentistry refers to improving the aesthetics of the smile. Restorative dentistry refers to restoring or replacing a tooth. For instance, fillings, root canals and implants. It is important to note that they often go together. For example, if you are missing a front tooth, the restoration is ultimately critical (the dental implant), however the aesthetics are equally important (the crown). In other words, they can and often go hand in hand.

Can cosmetic dentistry procedures improve both the appearance and function of my teeth?

For instance, porcelain veneers done properly by an experienced dentist and a ceramist you can improve the bite, and even so the alignment. When the bite is calibrated, it essentially improves the function of your teeth. Another example would be teeth straightening, the bite always plays a major role and when improved it improves the function of the teeth as well as their appearance.

What are the typical procedures involved in a smile makeover?

In the smile makeovers, I do predominantly porcelain veneers. As you know I do not cut the natural teeth and this is my most popular treatment. However, smile makeover can involve a combination of treatments. I often do teeth straightening, dental implants and often finish it with veneers. Anything that completely transforms the smile can be categorised as a smile make over. One of the most common cosmetic treatments I do is full mouth implants, which is essentially 4-6 implants placed per arch. This is definitely the ultimate smile makeover, because the before and after results are dramatic.

Are there non-invasive options available for restoring damaged teeth?

It depends on the damage. However, I personally practise non-invasive dentistry. I also prefer to do all that can be possibly done to save the teeth, not remove them. Again, based on the damage I may have my patients visit our periodontist if it is a gum related matter, they will solve this first and then we can move onto a restorative or a cosmetic solution. In many cases, the teeth may have some level of damage that can be restored with a filling, on lay, inlay, same day crowns or most often veneers. Some people have minor chips that can be restored with composite bonding. When it comes to damaged teeth, a dentist should restore the teeth, not damage them any further.

How long does it typically take to recover from common cosmetic dental procedures like dental implants or veneers?

With the veneers there is zero downtime. This is because we do not sedate the patient, so there is no pain. My veneers are non-cutting, so no cutting of the natural teeth and therefore no downtime. The only downtime is simply getting used to them, which I know from my own veneers takes a few days. Dental implants on the other hand, take some time. It really depends on the case. However, I prefer to follow the protocol of placing a dental implant and waiting 3 months until the final crown is placed. This is to allow the bone to integrate with the implant and also to see how the patient’s body reacts to the implant itself. This protocol allows for a very high success rate in dental implant placement.

Dr Sheraz Aleem is an esteemed cosmetic dentist with over 20 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Aleem on his Top Doctors profile.