With all the things the average American has on their to-do lists, many choose to skip appointments with their general dentist to take care of other business. Unfortunately, this can lead to a number of medical and cosmetic problems in a person’s teeth, from yellowing to tooth loss. Read on for some of the many procedures local dentists and cosmetic dentistry practices commonly perform to fix these damaging consequences.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening at the dentist has become one of the most common cosmetic dental practices in the United States, with 88.8% requesting the service from their orthodontists and other local dentists. This is because many people simply have darker tones in their teeth that exist regardless of their level of dental care; however, many people simply don’t brush regularly or visit their dentist for check ups and cleanings. For this reason, Americans spend an estimated $1.4 billion on teeth whitening products every year, and 76.2% of orthodontists actually recommend teeth whitening dentists to their patients.
Fillings
Studies show that untreated tooth decay or cavities in patients’ permanent teeth was the most common of all 291 major dental diseases and injuries. For this reason, many people will eventually visit local dentists for fillings and other treatments. However, 25% of people aged 20 to 44 still have untreated tooth decay. If left untreated, the condition will only grow worse.
Dental Implants
As many as half of Americans 30 or older have periodontitis, which can lead to loss of teeth and inflammation of the gums. Because of this and other conditions that lead to tooth loss, as many as 3 million individuals currently have dental implants, a number that reportedly increases by 500,000 people every year. While this popular alternative to dentures is extremely effective, relatively few dentists are trained to complete the procedure. As a result, finding a dentist in your area to perform the operation will often take some time and effort.
In 2010, an estimated $108 billion was reportedly spent on dental services in the United States. This is due to the wide number of effects poor dental hygiene can have on your health, social life, and career. Despite this, as many as one fifth of people are so self-conscious about their smile that they regularly conceal their teeth in photos. If you are one of them, it’s time for a change: schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area today.
