Dental care comes in many shapes and sizes. We’re all familiar with cavity fillings, wisdom teeth removal and a good teeth cleaning to chip away at stubborn plaque. What about when you just want to improve what’s on the surface? A cosmetic dentist can help you when it comes to a more pleasing smile, tackling all sorts of irritating issues with modern technology to keep you feeling confident every time you flash your pearly whites. This means reducing yellow stains, eliminating brown spots and straightening crooked teeth.
Let’s get you caught up to speed on cosmetic dental care so you’re not in the dark about what options are available to you when it’s time to visit the dentist.
Fun Facts
There’s nothing more illuminating than a little perspective. If you’ve been feeling less-than-thrilled about smiling in polite company, you’re not alone. A mere 35% of American adults have naturally well-aligned teeth, leaving the rest with crooked central teeth and molars. Another nine out of 10 adults over the age of 20 are also suffering from some form of tooth decay. Chalk that up to additional problems that can be exacerbated by poor diet and lack of maintenance, like yellow and brown spots, and there is a lot that can get in the way of a nice smile.
Teeth Whitening
The most obvious factor of cosmetic dentistry is that of teeth whitening. This tackles what simple brushing and teeth cleaning sessions cannot, enabling that brilliantly white smile you see on magazine covers. The teeth whitening industry is valued at a rather impressive $11 billion and Americans will spend a yearly $1 billion on teeth whitening products either over-the-counter or professionally. The most common factors that contribute to teeth stains are a lack of brushing, caffeine consumption and smoking.
Misaligned Teeth
Crooked teeth are no match for a skilled cosmetic dentist. Abnormal bites generally become the most visible between the ages of six and 12, though this can vary depending on life changes or injuries in later years. Although it doesn’t sound pleasing to apply for braces when you’re in your twenties or thirties, there are more natural options that can appear less intrusive in the day-to-day while still giving you the results you crave. According to a recent AACD survey, nearly all adult respondents believed a healthy smile to be socially important.
General Health
You can have beautiful and healthy teeth. It’s estimated nearly half of all American adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease in place. This is an infection of the gums that can cause soreness, bleeding and even long-term issues like jaw pain if left unchecked. Gingivitis is similar and no less frustrating. Both of these, however, can be easily prevented with routine brushing and flossing. It’s recommended you brush and floss twice per day or after every meal.
Applying For Cosmetic Dental Care
There’s no shame in wanting a nice smile. An appealing grin can make you feel more confident when you’re applying for a job or becoming reacquainted with the dating scene. It can even affect how you view yourself. More than half of the American population over the age of 50 admitted in a recent AACD survey that a good smile is the major physical feature that stays attractive as we age. Visiting a cosmetic dentist can tackle any surface problems preventing you from feeling your best and buff them out with style. Don’t rely on cheap over-the-counter products that give short-term results.
Apply for a teeth whitening session this year and see how it can change how you look at life.