With the rise in physical appearance and aesthetic of the ordinary individual, the need for cosmetic dentistry is imminent in today’s society, with about 50% of dental work spent on cosmetic procedures. With years in the business, cosmetic dentistry has seen remarkable improvements to provide the best structure and benefits to the patient.
Cosmetic dentistry seeks to improve the dental structure from the mouth, gums, and teeth, thereby improving the patient’s general appearance. This aspect has seen many individuals embrace the procedure to improve the mouth’s aesthetic, thereby increasing self-esteem. There are various forms of deformities in the mouth, including cleft lip, labial defects, and tooth augmentation.
Cosmetic dentistry seeks to improve overall oral health and teeth function. As most insurance covers do not cover cosmetic dentistry as these procedures are elective, there are minor exceptions, especially in reconstructive dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures consist of treatments to straighten, repair, reshape, and lighten the teeth. Some of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures consist of the following:
- Veneers
Veneers are false porcelain slices designed to fit the front teeth and fill out gaps or spaces. Veneers are customized to fit individualized teeth and resemble the natural teeth Veneer help in fixing cracked or crooked teeth and restore the natural beauty of the individual. The veneer is usually applied to the tooth using a dental adhesive and doesn’t stain like regular teeth. A typical veneer in Fort Lauderdale can cost up to $500 to $1300 per tooth.
- Invisible Aligners
Many people prefer the look and convenience of clear aligners to traditional braces. For years Invisalign was the best option but now there are cheaper competitors like Byte, Smile Direct and Candid that save money by cutting out in-person dental visits.
- Composite bonding
This involves the dentist removing the tooth decay, applying the composite to the affected tooth, and sculpting it to fit the tooth well. The dentist later applies high-intensity laser light to cement the composite to the tooth further. This procedure seeks to repair decaying, discolored and chipped teeth. This process gives the appearance of healthy teeth devoid of decay and is an excellent alternative to fillings. The entire bonding process takes about thirty to forty minutes and costs about $100 to $400 a tooth.
- Crown
The crown is a cap that fits the entire tooth replacing damaged, cracked, or misshapen teeth. The crown can be made from metal, porcelain casing, or ceramic. This seeks to protect the damaged tooth by encasing it protectively and preventing it from further damage. A crown costs a minimum of $500 per tooth.
- Implants
A dental implant is a replacement of the tooth usually placed at the bone socket of the tooth. This seeks to replace the tooth by cementing into the jaw bone as the tooth grows. Dental implants cost a minimum of $650 to $1200 per tooth, depending on the destroyed tooth’s severity.
- Teeth whitening
As the name suggests, this procedure aims at whitening discolored or damaged teeth. Tooth discoloration may occur due to bleaching via various foodstuffs, which leaves the tooth different from the rest. Tooth whitening is done by applying select products such as toothpaste, rinses, or creams. Tooth whitening is the most inexpensive and most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure as the whitening products range from $3 to $50 a tooth.
- Fillings
Tooth fillings can either be inlays or onlays, depending on the level of tooth decay. The inlay is placed directly on the tooth surface if damage hasn’t penetrated to the surface. An onlay is placed on the tooth’s surface in the event the surface is decayed. These dental fillings include composite resin attached to the tooth by adhesive cement, preventing further decay or discoloration. Tooth fillings cost about $50 to $150 a tooth.
- Enamel shaping
This procedure consists of the shaping of teeth to improve aesthetic appearance. This procedure solves crooked, mismatched, and overcrowded teeth. The process of enamel shaping is usually coupled with veneers or bonding.
Why cosmetic dentistry
The process of cosmetic dentistry aids the patient to develop self-esteem that enables them to smile, laugh, or talk in front of people. For instance, individuals who seek to undergo the various procedures mentioned above only seek to improve their image and feel better.
A good set of teeth makes individuals comfortable eating again, enabling them to consume healthy and balanced foods, improving their body image. Properly installed implants or veneers also prevent the formation of fine lines on the face.
Each procedure in cosmetic dentistry varies from the type of work or procedure to be done. For instance, a veneer is outwardly visible, enabling the patient to notice the difference between the old tooth and the new one.
As there are no current public insurance plans for cosmetic surgery, private plans offer flexible and affordable payments for individuals seeking to try out the services. There are also healthcare companies that offer low cost or interest-free financing options for patients.
Market survey in Fort Lauderdale
The cosmetic industry market is set to grow from $21.9 billion to $30.1 billion in 2020 to 2025.
Florida, one of the leading states to embrace cosmetic surgery, has seen consumers gravitate towards extreme makeovers. With a market size of $8 billion and industry employment of over 57,000 people, Florida’s dental industry is moving at a rapid rate. The average salary of a cosmetic dentist in Fort Lauderdale is $154,193, with the salary dependant on the years of practice, education, and certifications.
The top trends in cosmetic dentistry involve embracing minimally invasive procedures and consolidating the market to focus on product development. Cosmetic dentists should seek to advance in this industry by embracing technological advancements. Cosmetic surgery can be prevented every day by eating the right foods which do not stain or damage the teeth. Proper oral hygiene through daily brushing and flossing ensures the teeth remain in good condition.
It is paramount to conduct research before enrolling in a cosmetic dentist, to find highly trained and specialized services and prevent redoing of previous dental work. Most cosmetic dentists offer pre and post-operative care and explain the procedure in length to the patient.
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