When it comes to dental practices, there is a clear distinction between aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they involve different approaches to improving the appearance of teeth. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on superficial changes, such as adding dental veneers, while aesthetic dentistry goes beyond visual appeal and requires harmony and balance. At Dental Implants & Aesthetics, we believe that achieving visual and functional harmony and balance should be a fundamental objective of all aesthetic treatment.
This involves creating a visually appealing balance of shapes between all the teeth, between the teeth and the gums, and between the teeth, the gums, and other features of the face. It also requires a healthy periodontium (gingiva and supporting bone tissues). Only when visual appeal is combined with comfort, health, and durability can dental treatment be considered truly beautiful. These qualities are only predictably achieved when the biomechanical harmony between opposing teeth (or restorations), jaw muscles, and jaw joints (TMJ) is combined with visual appeal. A cosmetic dentist will usually perform a “smile makeover” and adapt every aspect of the smile to something you didn't have in your mouth.
On the other hand, an aesthetic dentist is the specialist that a general dentist will refer to when a person needs more aesthetic procedures to improve the appearance of their smile. It is possible for a cosmetic dentist to use implants; however, this usually occurs when a cosmetic dentist is also a specialist in cosmetic dentistry. As an expert in both aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry, I can confidently say that there are several key differences between these two practices. Aesthetic dentistry goes beyond simply improving the appearance of teeth; it also focuses on creating harmony and balance between all aspects of the mouth. This includes creating a visually appealing balance between all teeth, as well as between the teeth, gums, and other facial features.
Additionally, aesthetic dentistry requires that visual appeal be combined with comfort, health, and durability for truly beautiful results. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, focuses solely on superficial changes such as adding dental veneers or whitening teeth. While these treatments can improve the appearance of teeth, they do not address any underlying issues or create any lasting results. When considering which type of dental practice is right for you, it is important to understand the differences between aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry. Aesthetic dentistry goes beyond simply improving the appearance of teeth; it also focuses on creating harmony and balance between all aspects of the mouth for lasting results.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses solely on superficial changes such as adding dental veneers or whitening teeth.
