When’s the last time you visited your dentist? If it’s been more than a year, it might just be time for a check-up. A beautiful smile is one of your most powerful assets and can easily go either way when properly maintained in the day-to-day or neglected from a lack of care. Cosmetic dentistry is a field devoted to removing common issues affecting your teeth, all the better to cultivate that smile you’ve always wanted. General dentistry, on the other hand, is devoted to tackling problems at the root and keeping you healthy no matter what. Not sure if you need implants or new bridges? Check out the list below to learn where you stand when it comes to healthy teeth.
Did You Know?
Let’s start off with some fun facts. Did you know more than half of the adult American population surveyed over the age of 50 agree that a smile is the one physical feature that remains constant as we age? This is according to an ongoing survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, making it clear that pearly whites are still one of the most coveted visual elements around. Flossing, despite being highly important for eliminating bacteria and reducing the chance for cavities, is only regularly practiced by less than half the population.
Common Concerns
Some of the most common concerns troubling Americans today is how nice their smile looks. Surveys have shown over 30% of people are ‘concerned’ by the look of their teeth — when 96% of adults believe an attractive smile can increase their job prospects or dating options, it stands to reason why this is such a commonly shared worry! Around 20% of the population does not have an ideal bite and some of the most common issues include overgrown wisdom teeth, lost teeth and yellowing.
Common Issues
Periodontal disease is one of the most widespread issues affecting American adults. A recent study showed over 47% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease and this factor will actually increase with age — 70% of adults aged 65 or older have periodontal disease, making it imperative they seek out a dental office for implants or additional care. It’s very common for adults to have their wisdom teeth removed to make room for other teeth, reducing the chance of impacted wisdom teeth or crookedness. If implants or veneers sound like your cup of tea, you’re well on your way to a more beautiful smile.
Common Solutions
A healthy smile is well within your grasp with the aid of general dentistry. Implants are necessary if teeth are lost due to various diseases, with modern technology creating replacements that easily mimic the real deal. Traditional porcelain veneers cost anywhere from $925 to $2,500 per tooth — while this can seem like a lot of money to put down, these last an upwards of 15 years if properly maintained! It takes around one to two weeks for a dentist to receive veneers back from the laboratory after making molds from your teeth, making this one of the most effective and fast solutions for a beautiful smile out there. When are you planning on visiting the dentist next?
