People seek perfect smile through surgery

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    By Nate Hawley

    Searching for the perfect smile, people across the nation are flocking to cosmetic dentists in record numbers.

    Recent media attention through programs such as ABC”s “Extreme Makeover” and local events across the nation has brought attention to cosmetic dentistry. Eric Nelson, public relations manager of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, said demand for cosmetic dental procedures is higher every year.

    “Cosmetic dentistry is sort of a blending of aesthetic and functional dentistry,” Nelson said. “Everyone wants a smile that is not only healthy but also looks good and this is where the term cosmetic dentistry developed.”

    Cosmetic dentistry goes beyond traditional cleaning and drilling to beautify patients” smiles. Straightening techniques, whitening, veneers, bridges and crowns are some of the most common procedures these dentists perform.

    According to the AACD, straightening, whitening and veneers are the most popular treatments performed on college-age patients. Additionally, Nelson said these procedures are more cost effective than ever before.

    *Straightening

    Cosmetic dentists treat people with slightly crooked teeth using a new system called Invisalign. The system uses specially designed aligners to move the teeth into alignment.

    Dr. Carey Noorda, an orthodontist, said Invisalign is not a magical cure-all and in many cases cannot replace traditional braces.

    “Invisalign is best used to do minor alignment in an orthodontic case that was corrected properly but alignment was lost when the patient didn”t use their retainers,” Noorda said.

    He said the biggest issue with Invisalign is it cannot correct an overbite or an underbite, which account for nearly 75 percent of all the cases he sees. In minor cases the Invisalign treatment can work well, but for the majority of straightening work people should consult with an orthodontist before making any treatment decisions.

    *Whitening

    Whitening technology has been around for a long time, but advances during the last 20 years have made the treatment more affordable and convenient.

    Dr. Brett Noorda, dentist and member of the AACD, performs a lot of whitening procedures in his office.

    “The important thing to remember is that the natural color of the tooth cannot be changed,” he said. “It is the layer of the tooth that is able to be stained that is affected by the whitening.”

    Teeth naturally vary in color; some people have whiter teeth than others. Those with naturally darker teeth cannot expect to achieve the same results as those with naturally lighter teeth.

    Whitening procedures generally take about an hour. Many people complain of tooth sensitivity for a couple of hours after the treatment, but it usually passes fairly quickly.

    *Veneers

    Veneers are used to do more than change the color of the tooth. They are thin sheets of porcelain bonded to the front of the tooth. This treatment can alter the shape, contour, texture and color of the tooth.

    “Veneers are kind of the ultimate in cosmetic dentistry because they can do so much and are so easy to care for,” Brett Noorda said.

    He also said many times veneers are used to correct broken or otherwise damaged teeth. The procedure is simple and painless.

    Currently cosmetic dentistry is not regulated as a dental specialty, but instead interested general dentists can learn the procedures and offer them in their offices.

    Nelson said the AACD was created to help dentists receive continuing education on current cosmetic techniques and give the public a way to recognize dedicated cosmetic dentists.

    “We recommend that anyone who is considering a cosmetic dental treatment of course look for a AACD member cosmetic dentist,” Nelson said. “The reason is because these dentists have joined the association specifically to seek out information on cosmetics and have more training than other dentists in the area.”

    Though presently many insurances do not cover cosmetic dental procedures, a move to include them in the policies may not be too far in the future.

    Until then, patients are required to pay for the treatments out of their own pocket, but according to Nelson, people do it because they think it is worth it.

    “Virtually all Americans, 99.7 percent of them based on a 2004 study by AACD, have determined a smile is an important social asset,” Nelson said. “It really can”t be underestimated how much a smile can help a person”s self esteem, self confidence, business success and social success.”

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