EC Dental Science

Background: The understanding of principles dictating the realization of Cosmetic (CD) and Esthetic Dentistry (ED)among general dental healthcare workers is scant. Although many confuse the terms and use them interchangeably, the two approaches are not the same, and differences influence the practice of dentistry.

Aim: Appraised here are how these differences between Cosmetic-, and Esthetic-Dentistry impact the practice of dental therapeutic applications, and how and why they affect various disciplines and procedures in dentistry.

Discussion: Noting that Cosmetic-Dentistry is impermanent, realized for immediate visual effect or short-term purposes and is not necessarily an ideal copy of nature, differentiates CD from Esthetic-Dentistry. ED emulates ideal nature and is intended to be durable.

Conclusion: Theatrical dentistry is the pinnacle of CD, whereas advanced principles of Dentistry in prevention, orthodontics, implantology, orthognathic Maxillo-facial and craniofacial surgery is generally deemed esthetic.

 Keywords: Cosmetic; Esthetic; Dentistry; Theatrical-Dentistry; Implantology; Orthognathic-Surgery; Craniofacial-Surgery; Maxillofacial-Surgery; Orthodontics; Prosthodontics

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