Studies have shown consistently that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe a good smile is an essential social asset. One of the best ways to improve yours is to visit your local Oxnard cosmetic dentist and see what treatment options are available for you. Dental technology has come a long way, and now you can easily fill in those gaps in your smile or get the straight, white teeth you have always longed for. To help you get started, here are five facts about cosmetic dental work:

1. Face your fears

The fear of going to the dentist is actually more common than you think. Odontophobia, as it is officially known, is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as the DSM-IV, which is the standard for identifying mental health conditions. If the very word “dentist” sends you into a panic of visions involved huge drills and sharp tools, know that you are not alone. Additionally, keep in mind that your local Oxnard cosmetic dentist is here to help you.

2. By the numbers

Here is how far we have come in a century of dental care. In the early 20th century, about half of all the adults in North America were completely without their original teeth. Now, thanks to breakthroughs in cosmetic dental procedures and preventative care, the number of adults over age 65 without teeth has dropped to 10 percent. That is a huge improvement, thanks to the best Oxnard cosmetic dentist near you and others across the continent.

3. Make an appointment

Despite all these advancements in care and awareness programs, there is still a good portion of work to be done. Figures show that only about 60 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 64 had a dental appointment in the year 2010. That might be because people are still trying to find a cosmetic dentist or a regular doctor for their cleaning checkups. Look online, read reviews and ask around to help you find the best available Oxnard cosmetic dentist near you.

4. Join the crowd

About half of all patients who opt for cosmetic dentistry treatments are between the ages of 41 and 60. Think about it: You reach midlife, you look at your smile and you see that is reflective of your gradual loss of youth. But it does not have to be. If you are missing teeth, get dental implants. If you want brighter teeth, get them whitened. If you want straighter teeth, go for invisible braces.

5. The other half

What about younger crowds? What do they do about finding the top cosmetic dentist? Plenty of younger individuals elect for cosmetic dentistry because of crooked or missing teeth, too. Most people under 35 with missing teeth lost them due to a sports injury or some kind of accident. The top Oxnard cosmetic dentist can get you suited up with the right new chompers and help you be more confident than ever before.

In order to get the smile you want, find the Oxnard cosmetic dentist you need. Whiten them. Straighten them. Replace them. Every procedure is now available to you.