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The Fun Side of Dentistry: Making People Look Good
Dentists are getting more and more requests from their patients to perform cosmetic dental procedures, according to one of the local pioneers.
"I find cosmetic dentistry to be a lot of fun because you can work with your patients to create a better look for them, and they are so much happier," explains Jacquelyn Dzierzak, D.M.D., a general dentist. "Cosmetic dentistry is cheaper than a facelift, but is a real boost to a person's self-esteem."
Dr. Dzierzak says there are several reasons why cosmetic dentistry has become so popular:
- Patient Demand -- "Patients are becoming more aware of cosmetic procedures and what they can do," she says. "Articles are everywhere. Patients usually approach me about cosmetic procedures before I mention it to them. It's not a sales job. They want it."
- Positive Contribution -- "Cosmetic dentistry is fun for dentists so we are more likely to do it," she notes. "It's fulfilling for the dentist because you're making someone look better and contributing to their lives in a positive way. Patients now know that going to the dentist is not like it used to be -- in terms of pain. They want to come to the dental office because the dentist is going to help them look better in addition to easing their pain or helping them chew better. It's beneficial for both the patient and dentist to get that kind of satisfaction."
- Aging Population -- "Baby boomers are growing older and keeping their own teeth," says Dr. Dzierzak. "This generation had the benefit of fluoride, they've had less decay, and they are determined not only to keep their teeth but to keep white, beautiful teeth that show their smiles. They want to look younger.”
In fact, says Dr. Dzierzak, most patients want their smiles to make them look more youthful. "In order to get a more youthful smile, dentists can use veneers or bonding and the teeth can be whitened, all in an effort to turn back the clock," she says.
Bonding can fill in gaps between teeth or repair chipped teeth by applying a special tooth-colored compound (composite resin). Veneers are custom-made, tooth-colored coverings that when affixed to teeth can change the whole appearance of a patient's smile. Tooth whitening lightens most discolorations and should always be supervised by a dentist. There are two types of tooth whitening, or bleaching, procedures. Bleaching may be performed in the dental office, or the dentist can give the patient a bleaching gel to use at home.
Dr. Dzierzak also notes that people who have bright, beautiful smiles are more likely to be more interested in maintaining good oral health. "They value their smiles and are more likely to maintain them, and that's another fun part of the profession -- seeing patients take an active role in their own health care," she concludes.
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