Decades of fluoridated water and toothpastes has led to a significant decline in tooth decay, and a corresponding drop in dentists have to intervene with treatment for cavities. Cosmetic dentistry is quickly rising to fill this gap — no pun intended. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) 74% of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success, and the overwhelming majority of American believe a smile is an important social asset.

In a 2007 survey of their members, the AACD projected cosmetic dentistry revenue to exceed $2.75 billion, a 15% increase over 2005. There are now approximately 5,500 dentists providing cosmetic procedures to almost 3 million patients, and the AACD projects the number of procedures will rise by 10% in 2008. The majority (53%) of cosmetic dentistry consumers are between the ages of 41 and 60, and 67% are women. Explosive growth like this means it’s likely you know someone who has had a cosmetic dental procedure performed.

Personally, I’ve had a chipped tooth bonded. At the age of 35 my sister got braces and after they were removed she had her teeth whitened. Her only regret is not getting her teeth rejuvenated years earlier. Previously she had a nonchalant approach to dental care: brushing twice daily, seeing her dentist every 6 months or so, if she remembered, and well, there just never seemed to be enough time in the day for flossing. This has been replaced by a devotion to oral hygiene bordering on religious. Along with her MBA, she counts it as one of her best investments. This speaks to the power of cosmetic dentistry, and that patients are likely to view their procedures as investments, and not acts of vanity.

Cosmetic procedures include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, bonding, braces, and implants. They can be costly, and it’s worth asking if they’re also good for your overall dental health. Many cosmetic procedures can cost up to $20,000 or $30,000 and this is mostly out of pocket, as few dental insurers cover cosmetic work. If patients comply with the basic follow-up care instructions given after their treatment, then a cosmetic procedure can boost your overall dental health. It stands to reason that patients who have had extensive cosmetic dental work, like my sister, become committed to the upkeep of their oral investment. The AACD advises patients caring for a new smile to make regular visits to their dentist. Often this will be more than the typical twice yearly visit. In addition, cosmetic dentistry patients are instructed to get “regular periodontal (gum disease) screenings” to increase the life of the restoration. This is in addition to flossing, quitting smoking and “brushing 2-3 times daily.”

In that AACD study, when it came to appearance and personality attributes, both men and women “with smiles altered by cosmetic dentistry are regarded…as being more ‘interesting,’ ‘intelligent,’ ‘happy’ etc. than those with their original smiles.” It appears the benefits of cosmetic dental procedures go deeper than a beautiful smile.