A member asked:

Is there any difference between aesthetic dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?

47 doctors weighed in across 24 answers

Nope . . . .: In my opinion they are two different words to describe the same treatment. Every is a 'cosmetic' dentist these days. Aesthetic is a newer term that looks and sounds more sophisticated. Whichever way you call it, it is still enhancing the natural, visual and functional characteristics of the teeth to that which is more pleasing to the eye.

Answered 9/28/2016

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Dr. Barry Press answered

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

No: Like aesthetic vs cosmetic surgery, there is no difference. These terms generally refer to procedures that are done on normal features in an attempt to make them better.

Answered 12/31/2022

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Dr. James Merrett answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Aesthetic / Cosmetic: These two words are used synonymously. They are really addressing the same types of procedures. Some practioners prefer the aesthetic and some prefer the word cosmetic. However, if you search the internet with either one of these words you will find the same results.

Answered 9/28/2016

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Nope: There is no difference between the two and nor is it a specialty. It's important know that.

Answered 12/3/2012

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Dr. Gary Lederman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Either term will do: Call it what you want. I prefer the term appearance related entity. The truth is that pleasing esthetics in all of our procedures is now standard of care. Cosmetic dentistry implies care being done electively and for appearance enhancement. It becomes even more important that you find someone with specific training, experience and credentials. Discuss desired outcome, see examples of care.

Answered 9/28/2016

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No: They are the same. Most all general dentists do some cosmetic dentistry every day they practice.

Answered 11/15/2015

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No : Cosmetic dentistry and aesthetic dentistry have similar definitions.

Answered 11/15/2015

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Dr. John Thaler answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

No: The whole concept of appearance related dentistry is marketing. Neither aesthetic nor cosmetic dentistry exist as specialties (like oral surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, etc.). Many would have you believe they are specialists, but it does not exist. However, there are many dentists who have devoted their training and careers to this area and are excellent.

Answered 12/9/2012

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No difference: All dentists strive to do work in an esthetic manner. Cosmetic dentistry sometimes refers to work done for the purpose of looks instead of just function.

Answered 9/28/2016

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Dr. Peter Certo answered

Specializes in Dentistry

No: Basically two names for the same discipline of dentistry...Like cap and crown.

Answered 2/6/2013

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Not at all: They are neither different nor are they recognize by the american dental association as a formal specialty area of dentistry.

Answered 2/15/2013

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Dr. Mark Venincasa answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Cosmetic

It depends: We all have different definitions of the word reasonable. In the end patients should feel they did indeed get what they paid for in order to satisfy their definition of reasonable. The location of the dental office does factor in as does their expertise and that of their staff. But in the end it is each patient who decides if it was reasonably priced.

Answered 2/15/2013

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Dr. Mark Venincasa answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Cosmetic

No...: Patients may enter into cosmetic with an already gummy smile. In some cases this can be very attractive. In other case a gummy smile may not be attractive. In those cases the gummy smile can be addressed in cosmetic dentistry to alter the gums in a way to enhance the tooth changes being made. In cosmetic dentistry the gums must be evaluated as well....

Answered 2/15/2013

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Dr. Mark Venincasa answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Cosmetic

Consult first: In some cases the tooth needing the filling may have other conditions which require alteration to achieve a more cosmetic result. In consultation with your dentist, a plan can be made which will best sequence your care. That exam and consultation is important in determining what is best to pursue first.

Answered 2/15/2013

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Dr. Mark Venincasa answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Cosmetic

Yes!: Depending on the severity of the periodontal disease, alternatives for cosmetic treatments can be considered. Most definitely yes; anyone can have cosmetic dentistry done.

Answered 2/15/2013

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Dr. Mark Venincasa answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Cosmetic

It depends: Depending on the severity of periodontal disease, options can be considered for cosmetic dentistry. Anyone can pursue cosmetic dentistry!

Answered 2/15/2013

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Dr. April Ziegele answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry

Not really: Both are focused on providing natural looking dentistry.

Answered 3/10/2013

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Dr. Joseph Mele answered

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

No: Aesthetic and cosmetic mean the same thing. The words are used interchangeably, so any nuance has long been lost.

Answered 3/10/2013

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Yes: Many dentists claim to be cosmetic but there is no real specialty in dentistry for this. Do your homework, ask your friends, and consult an organization such as the american academy of cosmetic dentistry (aacd). Members are generally more experienced.

Answered 2/9/2017

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No : It is the same thing. Actually every general dentist and prosthodontis claim that they are cosmetic dentist. To determine if the dentist is really good, talk to others about the dentist, ask to see before and after pictures of patient treated by the office, look at the internet reviews, websites etc.

Answered 4/5/2013

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NO: Cosmetic, esthetic and aesthetic are all the same. Just allows us dentists to have many academies using the different names focused on the same outcome....A pleasing natural looking smile!

Answered 1/29/2017

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Dr. Marielaina Perrone answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry

They are...: One and the same. Just different names for the same thing.

Answered 11/22/2020

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Not really: Aesthetic and cosmetic are synonyms or words that can mean almost the same thing and are almost always interchangeable in a sentence. So I'd say that they mean nearly the same thing.

Answered 11/15/2015

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Cosmetic-Aesthetic: The only difference I can think of is the spelling of the words. These are strictly terms that are used by dentists, usually by preference. There is no practical difference what you call yourself as a dentist. Hopefully you are being truthful as a dentist and know what you are doing. It is a large field and some dentists have taken considerable continuing education while others have not. Good Luck

Answered 5/23/2015

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