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Gaze upon the blinding perfection of many
a celebrity smile and you're looking into the future of dentistry, cosmetic
dentistry that is. From pretty pearly whites to straight, symmetrical teeth,
cosmetic dentistry is the next frontier of grooming. So what
exactly is cosmetic
dentistry? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
it's total oral healthcare that enhances a patient's appearance. Eric Nelson,
Director of Public Relations for the AACD explains, "the meaning behind this is
that cosmetic dentistry
is focused not only on providing the patient with a beautiful smile, but at the
same time maintaining healthy, functional, long lasting oral health." Taking
care of one's teeth is a healthy choice yet like so many appearance-enhancing
services, cosmetic dentistry results can vary based on the skill and sentiment
of the dentist and the preference of the client. Some clients opt for super white
teeth a la Jessica Simpson while other go for a more natural look. Susan E. Brackett,
D.D.S., M.S. and Diplomate for the American Board of Prosthodontics explains,
"just as a woman may use lipstick or eye shadow to enhance her features, cosmetic
dentistry utilizes materials and restorations to improve an individual's smile."
Given the plethora of perfect smiles seen in the media, it's
not surprising that the growth of cosmetic
dentistry is impressive. In fact, both women and men are heading to the dentist's
office for cosmetic services in records numbers. What's on their wish list? According
to a recent survey conducted by the AACD teeth whitening tops the list, with 29%
of patients requesting it. And Dr. Brackett sees no signs
of a slow down in terms of demand. "In dentistry, the desire for very white and
prominent teeth is the current trend. Patients also wish for teeth that are prominent
enough to provide increased lip support, creating the look of fuller lips." A
testament to the marriage of dentistry and appearance is the birth of the spa
and dentist office hybrid. These new destinations aim to be relaxing retreats
where a soothing spa environment softens the atmosphere of the stereotypical dentist's
office. While the idea of combing a spa day and a visit to
the dentist's office may be novel to some, Dr. Brackett understands the appeal.
"We are living in a world where people are more aware of physical appearance and,
as such, are willing to spend time and money to improve their appearance, their
image and most importantly, their self-esteem." The AACD's
top three tips for finding a dentist who knows what she's doing.
- Before and After Photos: A picture speaks a thousand words. Ask to
see before and after photos of other patients who've had cosmetic service at the
hand of your dentist.
- References: Speaking to other patients is
the ideal way to get the inside scoop on your dentist. Many dentists will have
patient references they can provide upon request.
- Continuing Education
- Be certain that your dentist has taken continuing education courses to keep
him or her up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry.
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