Smile Makeovers Sweeping the Country

(ARA) – Whitening, veneers, bonding, implants – cosmetic dentists have more options than ever to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams. And thanks to the blitz of reality television makeover programs, consumer awareness of cosmetic dentistry has reached an all-time high.

But it’s not just television that has prompted more people than ever to consider cosmetic dentistry. According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists (AACD), virtually all Americans (99.7 percent) believe a smile is an important asset, and three-quarters (74 percent) of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success. A whopping 96 percent of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite sex.

With so many choices available to consumers to improve their smiles, it is important for patients to ask their dentist about his or her experience in performing cosmetic dental procedures. “Any patient considering a smile makeover should make sure their dentist has had advanced training in cosmetic dentistry,” says Nicholas Davis, AACD president.

As you consider a cosmetic dental procedure, be sure to ask for these items:

* Before and after photos – Examine the dentist’s treatment results on other patients to make sure his or her work fits your dental needs.

* References – Get a sense from other patients as to what type of quality care the dentist provides.

* Continuing education – Be certain that your dentist is an active AACD member and has taken continuing education courses to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry.

Here’s a quick rundown on four popular procedures:

Whitening is the most commonly prescribed cosmetic dental procedure and many whitening options are now available to consumers in a wide range of prices.

Bonding is an option for chipped or cracked teeth, in which an enamel-like material is applied to a tooth's surface, sculpted into shape, hardened, and then polished for an ideal smile.

Implants are a replacement for dentures that are a stronger, more attractive option for replacing missing or lost teeth. An anchor is placed in the patient's jaw, and a life-like ceramic restoration is built around it and matched to the original tooth color.

Veneers are an increasingly popular procedure; these ultra-thin, custom-made laminates are affixed directly to the teeth. They are a great option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that did not respond well to whitening procedures.

For more information about cosmetic dentistry or to find an AACD member dentist near you, visit www.aacd.com, call (800) 543-9220, or e-mail: info@aacd.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content