There is a new trend growing in popularity and spreading throughout the offices of the cosmetic dentist: the adult patient in search of a beautiful smile.
Many adults have long dreamed of possessing straight,
beautiful, white teeth, but are not eager to spend several years with a mouth full of braces. A cosmetic dentist has the training and skill to transform an inadequate smile into a photo worthy one.
Instead of outfitting an adult man or woman with hardware similar to that which their teenage child may be wearing, a cosmetic dentist may decide it would be more age appropriate to fit them with the Invisalign system instead. A cast will be taken of the patient's mouth, then a series of clear trays will be created that will slowly manipulate the teeth into the correct alignment of straight even rows.
Part of the appeal of the Invisalign system is how discreetly they do the job of braces, without all of the metal and adjustments that are necessary with standard braces. Because the Invisalign trays are clear and easily removable, a patient can slip them off to eat, clean their teeth and no one will notice the person is wearing them.
As people have come to realize the benefit of having a bright, healthy smile and how it improves their social and professional life, the popularity in cosmetic dentistry has soared. A cosmetic dentist can repair damaged teeth through several variations: the application of veneers or crowns, bonding, or replacing the teeth with a bridge or dental implants.
Once the straightening and appearance of the teeth is complete and the smile is now healthy and attractive, the question is are they as white as they can possibly be? A cosmetic dentist can help a patient determine the perfect shade of white for their complexion: going too white will make the teeth look comical or fake.
Numerous advances have been made in the field of cosmetic dentistry, including the use of the Kodak Digital x-ray, which emits 80% less radiation than a standard x-ray machine. The diagnosis of cavities has been made easier and more accurate with the use of a small laser known as the DiAGNOdent. And the Opalescense Take Home kit has made it possible for the patient to continue their whitening treatment at home.
The cost of using the services of a cosmetic dentist is one reason some people might hesitate to schedule that initial appointment. But many dentists have in-house financing and payment plan options available, and a staff that will assist the patient with insurance forms if any of the procedures have the potential to be covered by their plan. Some treatments like bridge work, dentures, a damaged or chipped tooth may be partially covered by insurance. The office staff will be able to arrange a payment schedule that will fit the patient's budget.
The benefits reaped by the patient, once their smile is improved through dental work, are numerous. There is an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as they now possess a radiant, healthy more youthful appearance which will vastly improve their life on all levels. A welcoming smile is a contagious smile, and well worth the investment.
