Folks want to look phenomenal. That’s all there is to it. Breast augmentation was up 55% in 2006 over 2000, according to the National Plastic Surgery Statistics. Buttock lift was up 174%. Botox was up 420%. We – yes, probably even you – flock to tanning salons, med/spas, and other image-enhancing facilities seeking beauty…and maybe the Fountain of Youth. In dentistry, this trend is reflected in the great upward swing of cosmetic procedures performed by general dentists. According to DPR Cosmetic Comparisons, 84% of respondent dentists report that patient inquiries about cosmetic dental procedures have increased and 73% say that cases with elective cosmetic dental procedures have increased.
Our own Dr. Cranham of Cranham Seminars and Dawson Center has much to say in his blogs about the importance of function in esthetic dentistry. Why? Because many dentists who seek continuing ed are performing esthetic procedures more frequently. These days, can you separate esthetics, function, and restorations? These aspects overlap. The way a smile looks, to many people, is just as important as how it feels and functions.
With whitening, bonding, veneers, esthetic crowns, cosmetic gum lifts, and even with Invisalign clear orthodontia, the general dentist has much to learn and much to offer image-conscious patients. Cosmetic dentistry, done right, benefits both patient and doctor.
Some say that cosmetic dentistry was a fad because of Extreme Makeover, and these dentists are looking toward the horizon for the next hot topic in dentistry. However, with both women and men freely investing in their appearance these days, cosmetic dentistry is not on the decline. The DPR Cosmetic Exclusive reports that of their readers who responded to the survey, 78% believe that they will be doing more cosmetic dentistry in five years. Because of this, 81% will seek CEs in elective cosmetic dental instruction within the next year.
Learn more about esthetic dentistry at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry website.