It’s no secret that a great smile is important. In fact, 99.7% of American adults believe that a smile is an important social asset, and 74% believe that a smile that’s unattractive or flawed might damage their chances at a successful career. Most patients who request cosmetic dentistry are 20-50 years old, but no matter who you are, a polished smile is a great way to make a positive first impression and give you the confidence you need to pursue what you want in life.
How can you improve your smile?
There are plenty of procedures available to give you the photo-ready teeth you’ve always wanted. At the moment, whitening is the most requested cosmetic dentistry service, accounting for 29% of patient inquiries.
Direct bonding procedures, which recreate a smile with little to no tooth reduction, increased by over 100% in the US in the past five years. The alterations made with direct bonding can actually be cheaper and longer lasting than porcelain crowns and veneers, with proper care.
The placement of veneers has actually increased by 250% in the past five years. Veneers are placed over damaged teeth to minimize imperfections and improve the shape of teeth.
In 2004, 24% of dental operations involved placing crowns and bridges, outstripping direct bonding at 19%, onlays-inlays at 7%, whitening at 7% and veneers at a mere 4%. These numbers are shifting as more patients look for quick and non-invasive ways to improve their teeth.
Who can improve my smile?
While over-the-counter solutions are often cheaper, formally trained dental specialists need to complete two to three years’ worth of rigorous full-time education after dental school to be recognized by the American Dental Association as dental specialists. The American Academy of Cosmetic dentistry has 7,000 members in the US and more across the globe, making it the largest international dental organization in the world. Visiting a certified dentist, even if it’s only for a consult, is the best way to start your smile renovation right.
