Americans associate straight, white, perfect teeth with actors and actresses. For many years, only the famous and wealthy could afford the kind of cosmetic dentistry required to maintain the perfect smile. Recent advances in cosmetic dentistry, as well as more and more dentists specializing in the field, has made pearly whites available to even more patients.
Smiling may not come naturally to people trying to hide crooked, cracked or discolored teeth. But instead of keeping their smiles hidden, many patients now turn to cosmetic dentistry. Dentists are performing cosmetic procedures on more patients of all ages, from teens to senior citizens. A bright, beautiful smile isn't just for the big screen anymore.
Most patients are age 54 and older. Women outnumber men as patients for both cosmetic dentistry and general dental procedures, according to the American Dental Association. However, that gap is narrowing as more men seek cosmetic services.
In the latest nationwide survey conducted for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 92 percent of those polled responded that a beautiful smile is a key social advantage. In addition, a smile can influence someone's personal outlook. Patients often arrive to their first cosmetic dental appointment with heads down and teeth hidden.
But no one needs to stifle a smile. Dentists offer an assortment of options that can brighten and straighten teeth. From traditional braces to bleaching, bonding and implants, a patient can choose the method that best suits her needs, lifestyle, schedule and pocketbook. Some procedures can be done in a few visits, while others require months of treatment. Costs vary as well, ranging from less than $300 to several thousand dollars. The common result, however, is a smile that transforms a patient's appearance.
Bleaching
From the day teeth break through the gums, they endure assaults that can affect their color. The obvious offenders are coffee and tobacco, which can leave lingering stains. Aging is another culprit; a teeth tend to become yellow or otherwise discolored over the years. Even heredity plays a role. Despite the impression given by magazine advertisements, not everyone inherits snow-white teeth.
Many cosmetic dentists caution against using whitening agents that are sold over the counter. Consumers often don't know what gel concentration works best for their situations and can unknowingly use formulas that are too strong. The result may be teeth that look chalky and unnatural.
Fortunately, solutions exist. Of all the cosmetic dentistry procedures performed, bleaching seems to be the least daunting. There is no drill involved. Novocaine is not needed. Instead, the patient makes a few trips to the dentist and follows a bleaching routine at home, using a custom made bleaching tray. Bleaching is one of the least costly cosmetic dentistry procedures, and is by far the most popular.
Veneers
While bleaching can tackle modest discoloration by lightening the teeth, veneers actually mask stains by covering the tooth's surface. Veneers are made of porcelain or a composite plastic and are bonded directly to the tooth. In addition to hiding any stains or discoloration, veneers can change a tooth's shape, mask minor misalignments or close a gap between teeth.
Veneers cover the entire front surface and edge of the tooth, leaving the back of the tooth untouched. With proper care, veneers can last ten years or more. They offer a very lifelike appearance. They don't stain, and don't discolor over time. They reflect light naturally, like a real tooth.
Porcelain and composite veneers differ in appearance and cost. Porcelain veneers are more expensive, while composite veneers are usually a fraction of the cost. But porcelain veneers are stronger and usually have a better glaze, or shine, giving them a more natural appearance.
Before deciding on any cosmetic dentistry procedure, a patient needs to investigate the various options with his dentist. Points for discussion should include the advantages and disadvantages of a certain method, the length of treatment and the costs involved, as most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance.
No comments:
Post a Comment