Specialists for star-quality smiles
You might not be jetting to your beachfront villa or posing for the paparazzi on the red carpet, but you can certainly smile like a celebrity.
In a recent survey that ranked the smiles of movie stars, 93 percent of Americans surveyed said that it was somewhat or very important for us non-stars to have a beautiful, healthy smile. The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), an association of dental specialists who are experts in aesthetic and restorative dentistry.
The survey also showed that much of the American population would consider professional dental services to get the smile they've always wanted. As many as 61 percent would consider professional teeth whitening, and 41 percent would consider other procedures, including caps, crowns or bridges, to improve the look of their teeth.
Patients should seek out a specialist when considering any procedure. Individuals such as prosthodontists, have undergone advanced training and will know how to create the perfect shape, color and placement for every tooth, so they look identical to your natural teeth.
According to the ACP, prosthodontists receive an additional three years of rigorous training following dental school and have the capabilities to provide excellent results on crowns, bridges, implants, dentures and other cosmetic and restorative procedures.
Some important questions to ask your doctor:
- How long have you been performing this procedure? Your doctor should have several years of experience.
- What are your credentials? Education and experience are essential, but specialists, such as prosthodontists, have completed an advanced graduate residency program approved by the American Dental Association.
- Can I talk to some of your patients? A qualified dental specialist should be able to provide you with names of patients that have undergone your procedure. Ask about their satisfaction with the procedure.
For more information on finding a prosthodontist, please visit www.findaprosthodontist.com or call 1-800-378-1260.
