September 2004

Did you know that cosmetic dentistry provides more than just beautiful smiles? According to Dr. Pankaj Dhawan director of Vasant Kunj, New Delhi based Center for Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, cosmetic dentistry has also been shown to improve a patient's overall health and emotional well-being.

An improved smile can boost a person's self image, making them more confident in their daily lives. Higher self-esteem can motivate a person to pursue a new career, perhaps even a career they had previously ruled out because of a lack of self-esteem. In a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 74% of adult Americans who responded believed an unattractive smile could hurt a person's chances for career success.

Experts from the AACD also say that oral health benefits when a person has their smile improved. AACD member and director of Vasant Kunj based Center for Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry Dr. Pankaj Dhawan states, "People are more concerned about maintaining their teeth after cosmetic dentistry because they are proud of the way they look. Once they have seen the benefits of a healthy, natural smile, oral health becomes a priority."

And the good news is that the benefits of cosmetic dentistry are no longer just for "status seekers" or the rich and famous to enjoy. Cosmetic dentistry is for anyone desiring to improve the quality of their smile, their oral health and their self-esteem. Because cosmetic dentistry is more affordable than it was a decade ago, more and more people are able to have cosmetic dental work performed.

The growth and popularity of cosmetic dentistry has accelerated greatly and is one of dentistry's fastest growing areas. Eighty-four percent of dentists now offer cosmetic procedures as part of their practices, and half report a steady increase in the amount of cosmetic procedures performed over the last three years. Why is this?

Dr. Dhawan says, "In an age of increased oral consciousness, unlike a generation ago, people are keeping more of their natural teeth as they grow older. Maintaining an appealing smile is a major part of their desire to stay fit, healthy and attractive." Additionally, an AACD survey revealed that 92% of respondents say an attractive smile is an important social asset, yet only 50% of adults are satisfied with their own smile.

Improvements in technology and dental materials provide a variety of cosmetic dental options to people wanting to improve their smile. Here are some situations where cosmetic dentistry can help:

Anyone who does not smile because of yellow or discolored teeth.

People with crooked or irregularly shaped teeth.

Seniors wanting a more youthful appearance.

A teenager left with chipped teeth after a sporting accident.

People recovering from automobile accidents, domestic violence or other traumas.

The range of cosmetic procedures available to improve a person's smile and overall appearance include:

Bleaching - supervised at-home bleaching, or in-office power or laser bleaching treatments are an effective means of whitening stained, discolored or dull teeth.

Veneers - thin, specially-made porcelain or resin laminates that adhere to the surface of the original tooth and can be used to correct gaps, or crooked, chipped, discolored and worn teeth.

Tooth-colored fillings - natural-colored porcelain or composite resin fillings are bonded to the teeth to replace old or unsightly restorations.

Crowns - porcelain or resin "caps" that fit over the original tooth are an option for general bite dysfunction and broken or severely damaged teeth. Bridges and implants are other options for missing, broken or non-restorable teeth.

Gum Sculpting - reshaping of the gums to make teeth look longer, the smile more symmetrical, or to correct receding gums lines.

Orthodontics - used to reposition, straighten, or close gaps between teeth. Options include "invisible" braces made from clear acrylic and "removable" braces for repositioning one or two teeth.