Achieving The Perfect Smile

It appears America’s never-ending obsession with looks is skyrocketing, as cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, continue to increase in popularity. A recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, showed that the total number of patients seeking procedures to brighten their smiles in 2006 increased by an estimated 12.8%, over 2005.  The dental whitening procedure didn’t come cheap either. The survey shows the average patient spent a whopping $5,640 in 2006.

So what are the reasons for the rise? Well, the leading causes appear to be the non-stop barrage of media attention on looks with in-your-face advertising focusing on rail-thin models with perfect smiles, and reality television shows such as Extreme Makeover, The Swan and so forth.

Another major contributor is that aging baby boomers’ desire to look and feel young, in addition to an overall general awareness of the importance of health and fitness.  Full article