Cosmetic dentistry has seen an upsurge in the past decade as new advances are appealing to more people. This dentistry encompasses many facets of dental health. From tooth whitening to straightening, and even dental implants, caps, and crowns for seriously damaged teeth.
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Why cosmetic dentistry?
Longevity Live Partner content: Accidents can cause tooth loss, but many patients have dental phobias and wait until the last minute to see a dentist. Unfortunately, going to a dentist regularly prevents a lot of problems. Although many individuals put it off until their teeth need dire repair. Cosmetic dentistry can fix almost any problem. Dental phobias are common worldwide and when a serious intervention is needed cosmetic dentistry needs to be sought out. Even the loss of one tooth can cause malfunctions in chewing.Β This is why it has become so popular.Β Β
Research highlights the growing popularity
A 2011 study on the current state of cosmetic dentistry did show an upswing in the USA, and globally as well. And yes, appearances have now become more important than ever, especially in developed countries. A missing front tooth or even a smile that is crooked can impact promotions and the social activities of many individuals. A great smile paves the way for advancement in both professional and social activities.Β
What Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry Are Most Popular?Β
In the USA, caps and crowns, along with single or multiple implants are the leading choice of tooth replacement via cosmetic dentistry. While in Canada; the βall on fourβ dental implants seem to be more popular. There are more similarities in routine dentistry in the USA vs. Canada. However, when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, it’s the billing and insurance issues that can have an impact on the popularity of some procedures.Β
InΒ Canada, the Canadian government sets standards for pricing and billing. While in the USA the pricing and billing are done according to the demographics of an area as private insurance is more prominent in the USA than in Canada. Canadians might need to seek out a payment option for cosmetic dentistry as insurance might not cover all procedures.Β
This does not impact the quality of dental care as both countries have strict licensing and certification processes in place. It simply affects which procedures are more popular as in the USA. The choices can be driven by private or workplace insurance companies. Private insurance is common in the United States and although many Canadians also have private dental insurance. Many have government health insurance that does not cover cosmetic dental procedures. In the USA, although deductibles can exist on all procedures, for the most part the costs of any procedures can be much lower. Since dental insurance is almost always privately held and even government health insurance covers dental work.Β
What Are The Average Costs Of Cosmetic Dentistry?Β
The costs will depend on the type of procedure being done and the geographic location. Many general dentists both in the USA and Canada have now become certified in cosmetic dentistry. Therefore costs have decreased rather than increased over the years in both countries.Β
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Tooth whitening and straightening are quite simple now and much more affordable than years ago. The advent of tooth aligners has led to a decrease in the price of straightening and whitening procedures. There are now quicker and more effective.Β
Pricing trends
The averages of cosmetic dentistry can fluctuate from a mere $200 or less. Even up to tens of thousands of dollars depending upon the types of cosmetic dentistry sought. A consultation with many dentists is generally a good idea as certain regulations and standards in North American dentistry do exist. These questions and patient evaluations of practice are important considerations as price.Β
Some Individuals Now Choose To Go To Other Countries For Cosmetic Dentistry
This is done primarily to save money, but is considered an alarming trend by many dentists in North America. While certainly, pricing will be cheaper in places like Cancun or Barbados. The question remains if the training and certifications are the same and the quality of procedures can be called into question. Traveling outside North America to save costs on cosmetic dentistry is called dental tourism.Β
Dental clinics are growing globally
While many fine dental clinics outside North America can exist much research is needed into the quality and of course, regulations in place in each country. Some practices have North American trained dentists to offer to those seeking more affordable cosmetic dentistry and these, of course, would be a fairly wiser choice than dentists not trained in North America. Both the USA and Canada have very strict standards imposed by the American Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association and the closer these standards are met in other countries, the safer the cosmetic dentistry.Β
All Cosmetic Dentistry Is Unique To Each Patient
Some patients seek cosmetic dentistry to improve their appearance and achieve what is known as a βHollywood Smile.βΒ Others seek this type of dentistry to improve their chewing ability and bite and to replace damaged teeth from an accident. There is no one size fits everyone approaches to cosmetic dentistry and each patient need to make an informed and personal decision before having any cosmetic dental procedures done.Β
Dentistry must suit your time, need and pocket
Time, need, budget, and of course, pain and suffering must be factored into the equation of cosmetic dentistry. A good cosmetic dentist will consider all these points and develop a plan of care that is individualized. The right choice of a dentist will make an incredible difference as many procedures can last years or even decades if done properly. Since good teeth can impact health and well-being overall if cosmetic dentistry is needed, the sooner procedures are completed, the more healthy an individual will remain.Β
Closing remarks
No one gets a second set of teeth after early childhood and taking care to keep all permanent teeth for as long as possible is the driving force behind cosmetic dentistry and the focus of all good procedures. Assisting individuals in the quest to keep their teeth and replace lost teeth is the mission of any good dentistry practiceΒ
About the author
John Kan is a professional writer and a well known blogger. He writes on a variety of trending topics. Please follow him and keep reading his articles to keep you up-to-date and modern.
