Most people think that the terms "aesthetic" and "cosmetic" are interchangeable. After all, both seem to refer to the appearance and beauty of a certain object.
So, is cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry one and the same thing?
Not really. There's a big difference between cosmetic and aesthetic dental procedures.
The Difference Between Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry
Both cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry will improve the appearance of your teeth. But while cosmetic dentistry only involves procedures that alter the surface of the teeth, such as teeth whitening or veneers, aesthetic dentistry can provide more dramatic results.
Cosmetic dentistry treatments often include:
- Teeth Whitening: This cosmetic treatment will change the appearance of stained or discolored teeth and give you a quick smile boost.
- Dental Veneers: If you have a chipped or cracked tooth or if your teeth aren't evenly spaced, these thin shells can be used to give you a more beautiful smile.
- Dental Bonding: Bonding can fix minor chips and cracks or cover gaps between teeth. Unlike veneers, bonding doesn't require any enamel trimming.
Aesthetic Dentistry Takes Your Treatment to the Next Level
Aesthetic dentistry will not only improve the appearance of your teeth but restore their functionality too.
Take a missing tooth as an example. Sure, the gap affects the appearance of your smile. You are now more self-conscious about how your teeth don't like smiling and talking when you're surrounded by a big group of people. But, a missing tooth also affects your oral health. The neighboring teeth will start shifting to cover the empty space. Your jawbone is also no longer stimulated and you will start losing bone mass.
Aesthetic dentistry will help you get both a beautiful and healthy smile using procedures such as:
- Dental implants: Implants are used to restore a lost tooth from the root up. The implant will act as the tooth's root and help preserve the bone and gums.
- Orthodontic treatment: Based on your dental problem and preferences, you can choose between traditional braces and Invisalign to fix a bite issue and misalignment.
- Dental crowns: These are caps used to restore and strengthen teeth that have been damaged by decay, infection, or injury.
Which One Is Right for Me?
The answer depends on your oral health and needs. In some cases, you may need a combination of both cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. For example, if you have a missing tooth, you may need a dental implant to restore it, but you may also want to get teeth whitening to take your smile to the next level.
Dr. Steve Hong will conduct a thorough oral examination and come up with a personalized treatment plan.
To get started, contact us online or call our offices at (253) 565-1695 and book your appointment.
We're excited to make you a part of our Rainier Smiles Dentistry family.