Cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is important to the majority of adults.
- Virtually all of us (99.7%) believe a smile is an important social asset.
- 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex.
- Three-quarters of adults feels an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success.
The opportunity to change our smile is within reach. As viewers of television shows like Extreme Makeover see the miraculous transformations from an OK smile to a dazzling smile, they've flooded dental offices with new inquiries and visits about getting a 'smile makeover.'
In response, we've seen exponential growth in cosmetic dentistry services at dental offices across the country.
What motivates us to get cosmetic dentistry treatments?
Even more important than the effects of reality TV, we want better smiles for a very important benefit: the increased self esteem we get from the enhanced appearance that results from cosmetic dentistry.
In fact, in a recent study, 99% of the respondent felt that a bright, white smile is an important social factor affecting many aspects of life from career success to family happiness.
Cosmetic Dentist Treatment Options
Several options are widely available to cosmetic dentistry patients. They include:
- Teeth Whitening - now available in many options and in a wide range of prices making it affordable to many consumers. In fact, teeth bleaching is the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry performed today.
- Porcelain Veneers - adhere to existing teeth and offer a means to repair gaps in the mouth and to hide teeth that fail to be whitened.
- Crowns - like veneers, crowns adhere to existing teeth but wrap all the way around the tooth instead of just the front to create a smooth, white appearance.
- Braces Alternatives - Invisalign has encouraged thousands of adults to get retainers and to straighten out teeth. No unsightly metal brackets and wires makes it a viable cosmetic dentistry alternative.
- Bonding - helps to repair chips and cracks in existing teeth through the use of material which is similar to the natural enamel of the teeth.
- Dental implants - this is a more permanent and user friendly version of dentures. The implants are attached to an anchor which is surgically placed into the patient’s mouth.
- Full mouth reconstructive surgery - for those patients with extensive damage or repair needs, the option of full mouth reconstructive surgery allows for a complete overhaul of teeth, gums, and jaw structure.
Finding a Cosmetic Dentist
Finding a qualified cosmetic dentistry practitioner is not too difficult. When you talk to the dental office, ask for references, before and after pictures of previous patients, and inquire whether the dentist has kept up with his/her continuing education course requirements.
Finally, be sure that during your consultation you feel comfortable with the dentist, the atmosphere of the office and its employees, and the procedures that you will be undertaking.
