It’s no secret that the society we live in today is obsessed with its looks. The pursuit of physical perfection in all its glory is not hard to miss on social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram.

It’s estimated that the cosmetic dentistry industry’s popularity will reach an all-time high by the year 2026 with a whopping figure of approximately $32 billion in revenue.

Who is a Cosmetic Dentist?

The typical dentist’s primary expertise, is to improve the overall, oral health of his/her patient, while a cosmetic dentist’s prime focus is to improve the overall appearance of the teeth.

Some of the tooth imperfections that would warrant a visit to the cosmetic dentist are:-

  • Missing teeth
  • Discolored teeth.
  • Chipped teeth.
  • Teeth that are overridden with tooth decay
  • Crooked, misaligned teeth.
  • Gaps in the teeth.
  • Crowded teeth

Several procedures cater to the imperfections listed above and some of them include;

1) Dental Veneers

Commonly referred to as “Hollywood teeth” veneers are thin layered resin or porcelain bonded on the front of teeth. This changes the length, shape, size, or color of the teeth, improving their overall appearance.

2) Teeth whitening

This is the most common procedure that people seek to have done when they go to the cosmetic dentist. The teeth are bleached or he/she gives you a gel or a mold to safely do it at home.

3) Dental Bonding

Bonding helps repair cracked decayed, chipped teeth. Resin, a plastic, durable material is carefully applied to the tooth. It is then hardened with the use of laser light.

4) Implants

Titanium replacement tooth roots are lodged into the socket of the bone of a missing tooth. Eventually, when the jawbone heals, it becomes firm, as it grows around the implant.

The rise and rise of the Cosmetic Dentist

A beautiful, white smile is a desired commodity that keeps the cosmetic dentist in constant, high demand. Gone are the days when the common man couldn’t afford the services offered by a cosmetic dentist. The upper class was the only group of people in society that could afford that luxury. From movie stars to high-profile athletes, the procedures were available only to the elite due to the price tags that came along with them.

Not anymore. In modern-day vanity, anyone who develops the desire to have a white, dazzling, well-aligned smile can do so affordably. Besides, many households are starting to view cosmetic dentistry as essential. Therefore, it finds its way in their list of priorities when budgeting their money.

However, even with the availability of the procedures, it still isn’t cheap. Most of these procedures range anywhere from $500-1300 per tooth.

Is newfound Self-Esteem included in the Cosmetic Dentist’s package?

Various studies have shown that when you pay a visit to the cosmetic dentist, you leave there feeling like a whole new person, ready to conquer the world.

Some of these studies found that there is a direct correlation between individual confidence and a white smile. It’s quite unfortunate that some people become anti-social, due to being ashamed about the condition of their teeth. Alongside this, others are afraid to smile publicly.

Naturally, when you smile, signals are sent to the brain relaying the information that you’re happy, thus significantly changing one’s life general outlook and mood.

Moreover, the same studies found that when you smile more often, you are considered more likable, approachable, and trustworthy.

Another positive effect of cosmetic dentistry is youthful appearance. When you have a beautiful, healthy-looking smile, you tend to look younger than your years. Isn’t that after all, the main motivation of having work done?

Maintaining good oral health becomes a priority as well. After having cosmetic dentistry done, you feel encouraged to keep your teeth in that condition for as long as you can.

The Generation Most likely to have Cosmetic Dentistry Done

People from all age groups have had some kind of cosmetic work done to repair or enhance the quality of their smiles. On the other hand, reports show that baby boomers (ages 57-75) are the ones most likely to pay a visit to the cosmetic dentist.

What the future holds for the Cosmetic Dentist

The pandemic has changed how the cosmetic dentist operates. During the lockdown, people were not able to schedule appointments and physically go to the practice. Instead, the evolution of virtually consulting a dentist was and is still being utilized. The client can contact the dentist using apps like zoom.

Advancements in Technology 2021

Robotic technology has advanced rapidly and is being applied in performing surgical procedures. Cosmetic dentists can now perform these procedures with robotic mechanisms that enhance precision and steady workflow.

3D printers are the future of dentistry. Groundbreaking methods of printing crowns and Invisalign molds with 3D printers are astounding.

The use of a digital X-ray is a fast, convenient way of sending x-ray slides to the offices of specialists. There is no waiting period. Additionally, the speed at which they operate, allows the dentist to quickly and effectively do his job. X-rays that are digital also decrease the likelihood of high amounts of radiation exposure to the patient.

With the increase of teeth whitening products out there, the cosmetic dentist leads the pack with the innovative LED light for whitening teeth. We shall see this to be more prevalent, if not already, in most dentist offices as the year progresses.

Digital impressions are another convenient innovation that is quickly gathering momentum in cosmetic dentist’s practices. There was a time a client had to pay the dentist many visits before their crown was ready. Now, with the digital impressions, there is only a one-time trip to the facility. Your crown impressions can be made in a matter of hours and that is all you have to endure. Pretty cool, I might add!

In Summary

Cosmetic dentists have a solid place in society and the demand for their services is only going to increase as we transverse into the prospective future.

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