Dental treatments are typically sought for two reasons: to improve dental health and enhance one’s appearance. While some of us struggle to correct misaligned teeth or other dental issues, others may just want brighter teeth and a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Although the procedure you require may seem clear-cut depending on your requirements, there are instances where overlaps occur between cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic procedures, which can make it difficult to choose. Furthermore, your dental condition could require you to undergo a mix of these procedures.
In this article, we will discuss the basic premise surrounding cosmetic dentistry in Singapore and orthodontics; understanding the differences, overlaps and why in some cases you need a mix of the two. Additionally, we will briefly touch on how important it is to consult a dental surgeon when making these decisions.
Differences and Overlaps Between Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontics
While dental cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics are two distinct fields, they often intersect with their objectives and treatment approaches.
Cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on enhancing the visual appearance of teeth. Procedures in this category are designed to improve colour, shape, size, and overall aesthetics rather than functionality. Common treatments include:
- Dental Implants – Used to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.
- Veneers – Thin porcelain shells placed over the teeth to correct discolouration, minor misalignment, or damage.
- Teeth Whitening – A popular procedure to remove stains and brighten the smile.
- Teeth Bonding – A method of fixing chipped or cracked teeth by applying a tooth-colored composite resin.
Orthodontics addresses structural and functional issues such as misaligned teeth and bite problems. Common orthodontic treatments include:
- Braces – Metal or ceramic brackets connected by wires that gradually straighten teeth over time.
- Aligners – Clear, removable trays (such as Invisalign) that correct misalignment discreetly.
- Myobrace – A pre-orthodontic treatment aimed at correcting oral habits that may lead to misaligned teeth. Treatments in this field aim to correct dental irregularities that can impact oral health.
Despite these differences, the two fields often overlap. Orthodontic treatments like braces and aligners not only improve function but also contribute to a more attractive smile. Additionally, cosmetic dentistry can sometimes require orthodontic work beforehand to achieve the best results. Understanding these distinctions and overlaps can help individuals make informed decisions about their dental care.
Let’s explore a few examples of these overlaps:
Teeth straightening: The main purpose of braces is to straighten and properly align teeth, thereby improving the overall jaw health of an individual. It’s also a good preventative measure against TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, as crooked teeth can be a cause of it. However, teeth straightening has other benefits too; straighter teeth are easier to maintain, leaving them a clean, bright, and aesthetically pleasing smile. Therefore, in such cases, braces eliminate the need for any further cosmetic work and overlap with the field of cosmetic dentistry.
Differing mindsets: Whether cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics overlap is quite dependent on the mindset of the patient. For instance, certain patients need more reassurance that their misaligned teeth can be fixed to reduce their appearance concerns.
While both orthodontists and cosmetic dentists work on improving teeth, they deal with different types of patients. Orthodontists address both functional dental issues, while cosmetic dentists mainly focus on aesthetics. The way dentists communicate and treat these patients should be tailored to their different concerns and mindsets.
Combining cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics:
In certain situations, you can achieve the best results by combining both these fields of dentistry. This is because jumping into cosmetic work may do more harm than good; drilling the teeth can cause them to thin out and cause a loss of tooth structure. To combat this issue, start with an orthodontic procedure which will provide a solid foundation for any further cosmetic work.
An example of this would be a patient opting for veneers to make their teeth appear straighter. While veneers achieve the goal in the short term, they could create lasting damage, causing the misaligned teeth to break off; this happens because the underlying issue is not treated. Instead, a better solution would be to undergo orthodontic treatment to correct alignment and then apply veneers to perfect the smile.
Getting Customised Treatment Plans with Dental Essence!
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider before opting for either treatment option. Furthermore, to make the selection, you should have extensive knowledge of dentistry and understand the benefits and or risks of each procedure.
Hence, your best option would be to consult one of our competent dental surgeons at Dental Essence Pte. Ltd. We offer many services, namely, but not limited to: cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers, and whitening, and orthodontic procedures like braces and Myobraces.
If you want to achieve a healthy and glowing smile, book a consultation with us today.