Aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry are terms that are used to describe dental practices that help your teeth look better. This is different than as general dentistry, which is focused on solely on the health of your teeth. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, the truth is that there are some major differences between aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry.
The biggest difference between the two forms of dentistry is that cosmetic dentistry focuses on things that will make your teeth look better. This includes things like teeth whitening and veneers. On the other hand, aesthetic dentistry uses an approach that helps fix problems such as a few missing teeth that both fixes the problem from a functional standpoint, but also helps you to look and feel your best. In other words, you could say that aesthetic dentistry is a more complete approach than cosmetic dentistry.
One of the other big differences between cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry is the end goal. Aesthetic dentistry uses techniques available to modern medicine to give you a more natural, healthy look. Aesthetic dentists use techniques like regular cleanings, root canal removal, and the restoration of teeth with fillings or bridges to make your teeth look normal and healthy. The goal is to give you healthy teeth that function properly so that you can look your best and eat and talk normally.
Cosmetic dentistry is a little different from aesthetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry uses more advanced and invasive methods to make your teeth look a little better than what is considered perfect. Cosmetic dentistry includes techniques like teeth whitening, braces, veneers and a wide variety of other techniques. The idea is to give you bright, white, straight teeth that are picture perfect.
Whether you want to use cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry techniques will depend on your particular needs at that time. In order to maintain the look that they want most people will choose to use both cosmetic and aesthetic technique throughout their lifetime. A well-qualified dentist who understands the benefits of both can help you decide which technique are best for your oral hygiene and the overall look and health of your teeth.