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Doctor Discourse: Cosmetic Dentistry with Dr. William Dorfman

Helen of Troy may have had the face that launched a thousand ships, but for modern day Americans, having a smile that can launch a career seems a more worthwhile possession. According to a recent survey conducted for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 74% of adults surveyed felt that an unattractive smile could hurt a person's career success. Almost all (99.7%) felt that a good smile was an important social asset.

So how can you be confident putting your best foot forward if the smile behind it isn't quite matching up? For an increasing number of people the solution is cosmetic dentistry. From teeth whitening to a whole new set of porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentists can give you a whiter, brighter, straighter smile in as little as two visits to the dentist's office.

What to Expect During Consultation

The most important step toward achieving your improved appearance is your consultation with the dentist. This is your opportunity to ask questions and see the possible results. Dr. William Dorfman D.D.S., who has achieved Fellowship status from the AACD, told LocateADoc that his cosmetic consultations were generally quick, and required no x-rays or molds to be taken. This is the opportunity for "patients to ask questions about how to get the smiles they want, and I can show them before and after pictures," says Dr. Dorfman. The techniques and procedures are discussed, and patients are scheduled to come back for an appointment.

Dr. William Dorfman D.D.S.

For the most part, Dr. Dorfman says patients come to his office well informed, and already know what procedures they want. Thanks in large part to media attention and television shows like Extreme Makeover^tm, on which Dr. Dorfman performs cosmetic procedures, patients usually know what they want, and know what to expect. The consultation is the opportunity to clear up any uncertainties.

No matter what cosmetic work is necessary, Dr. Dorfman says that the smile patients want can usually be achieved in two visits: the first for prep work and the second to perform the actual procedure.

Teeth Whitening

The most common cosmetic dental procedure is teeth whitening, which saw a 300% growth from 1996 to 2000 according to AACD statistics. While numbers from 2001-2004 are still being complied by the association, Eric Nelson, Director of Public Relations for the AACD, says that teeth whitening has grown into a $300 million a year industry, with the take home product Crest White Strips leading the way.

More and more, however, Dr. Dorfman says patients are choosing in office whitening to the take home option. Although patients can often get the same results with some of the take home products, the ease and convenience of in office whitening is enough to make patients want to stay in their dentist's chair. The product Dr. Dorfman uses is Zoom!^tm, manufactured by his company Discuss Dental, which makes teeth up to eight times whiter in just an hour's time. Introduced to the market about two years ago, Zoom!^tm is also available as a take home product, and can offer dramatic results in just three nights.

Fixing Cracked and Damaged Teeth

From the 1996 to 2000 time period, according to the same research, the amount of patients getting porcelain veneers increased by 250%. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of fired porcelain that are placed on the front and side surfaces of the teeth. Veneers are strong, long lasting, and resist staining. Although applying a veneer requires that your tooth be filed down in order for the veneer to fit, Dr. Dorfman uses this procedure more than any other for pure cosmetic enhancement because of its versatility and ability to resist discoloring.

Wrapping Up

Cosmetic Dentistry has hit a boom in recent years, and the number of patients rushing to dentist offices looking for cosmetic enhancements don't show any sign of decreasing. Membership in the AACD has reached approximately 6,719, and continues to rise. With the quick recovery time, and near non-existent instances of complications that cosmetic dental procedures can offer, a smile enhancement can prove to be a great way to show a fresh face to the world.

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Related Subjects and Keywords: Zoom!^tm whitening  Extreme Makeover  porcelain veneers  cosmetic dentistry 

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