Did you know that almost 100% of people think that a smile is a critical social asset? It might not surprise you then, that millions of dollars are spent on cosmetic dentistry every year in the United States, as patients seek to replace missing teeth, whiten stained teeth, and add extra shine to their pearly whites.
Some of the most popular cosmetic dental work includes teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants. With teeth whitening, most people first try over-the-counter teeth bleaching kits. If the strips are unable to sufficiently whiten their teeth, some patients then seek professional laser whitening. In this dental cosmetic procedure, a topical gel coats the enamel and a laser heats the gel, easily lifting the stain from a tooth.
Even though tooth enamel is considered the hardest substance in our bodies, excess plaque and tartar weakens the enamel and cause chips, cracks, and breakage. In this case, veneers or dental implants are a commonly sought-after solution. Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are bonded to the surface of teeth, giving them a shiny, white complexion. Veneers can also protect a damaged tooth, and prevent it from further harm.
Of all the cosmetic dental procedures, dental implants are the only ones that give patients the feeling of natural teeth. The procedure involves cosmetic teeth surgery, where an artificial tooth root, usually a titanium rod, is drilled into the place of a missing tooth. Once the rod is in place, an abutment, or connector, joins the new crown to the implanted root. Dental implants are 98% successful and they can last a patient a lifetime with proper care.
Those patients who are concerned with dental implant costs should look at different dental websites to find clinics that are willing to set up payment plans, or search for programs that offer grants to patients in need of cosmetic dental work. Some dental websites offer heavily discounted services for patients with low incomes, as well as dental credit cards that have monthly payment options.
So if you are apprehensive about your far-from-perfect smile, consider finding a local cosmetic dentist to fix the teeth you are concerned about. You do not necessarily have to invest in full dental implants, or a complete veneer set; maybe a few veneer sheets will do. Just do enough to help you feel confident enough to smile confidently again.
