According to a recent study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), teeth whitening procedures have increased by 300% in the past five years, porcelain veneers by 250%, and direct bonding by 100%. As these cosmetic dental treatments continue to grow in popularity, Dr. Michael Fulbright, a cosmetic dentist in Torrance, says an increasing number of patients at his practice are beginning to combine procedures through a comprehensive smile makeover. Dr. Fulbright discusses likely reasons for the rapid growth of the smile makeover trend as well as recent AACD statistics and how to choose the right dental practice for a procedure.
At his cosmetic dentistry practice in Torrance, CA, Dr. Michael Fulbright says he has observed a growing number of patients elect combined procedures for a comprehensive smile makeover. Often pairing teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, Invisalign®, and other cosmetic enhancements, Dr. Fulbright says smile makeovers have been on the rise in the past five years as patients continue to desire the aesthetically-focused smiles portrayed by the media and reality makeover TV shows. A recent statistic by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) reports that teeth whitening procedures have increased by 300% in the past five years and porcelain veneers by 250%. Dr. Fulbright says the increase is likely a result of patients becoming aware of the benefits of combining procedures and minimizing the number of visits required to achieve the desired results.
Dr. Fulbright says that cosmetic dental procedures on the whole have risen at his practice from corrective treatments such as clear braces to cosmetic enhancements like teeth whitening. The latest AACD member poll expects further popularity of teeth whitening, as 77% of member dentists predict it to be the top office procedure for 2011. Dr. Fulbright says teeth whitening is already one of the more popular procedures included in a smile makeover at his practice and will only continue to grow as it receives more national recognition.
Regardless of whether patients are seeking a full smile makeover or just a single procedure like teeth whitening, Dr. Fulbright says choosing an experienced and caring dental practice is the most important contributor to achieving the best results. According to Dr. Fulbright, the most important thing to look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover procedure is whether they are affiliated with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). “This demonstrates that the dentist has had the necessary training to perform these procedures and is being held to the highest standards in the field. Also, asking for or looking at before and after photos of similar procedures is a good way to see if the doctor can meet your needs.”
About Dr. Michael Fulbright
Michael Fulbright DDS earned an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of California at Irvine and a degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Southern California (USC). He continued his dental education at the School of Dentistry at USC, receiving his Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 2000. Dr. Fulbright also received post-graduate training from UCLA in the Advanced Aesthetic Continuum and recently completed a one-year residency in oral implantology at the Pacific Implant Institute in Vancouver, BC. He is the affiliate dentist for the Murad Inclusive Health Center as well as a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the California Dental Association.
Located at 1815 Via El Prado, Ste. 200 in Redondo Beach, CA, Dr. Fulbright can be contacted at (310) 593-2137. He can also be reached at fulbrightdental.com or facebook.com/FulbrightDental.
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