Although I do not like to admit it I come from a family which has bad teeth. My father has teeth that look like fence posts that just barely survived an F5 tornado, and I ended up needing braces from third grade until high school. It was awful. Something about having to visit the orthodontist for so long and also having weak teeth, so having traumatic dentist visits, has left me scarred.

I would not say that I have Odontophobia, which is the clinical term for having a fear of dentists. The Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders says it is a real phobia, one which I do not quite have but one which I often feel like I do. I do have some serious dentist anxiety though.

What does any of this have to do with cosmetic dental surgery and cosmetic dentistry? Well, I believe that the more you know about something the less scary it is. As someone who has been plagued by dental issues, I know a thing or too about the struggle to find affordable cosmetic dentistry and then the battle to get oneself to those dentists to undergo the procedures which need to be done.

1. Braces

While braces do not classify as dental surgery, they do classify as a cosmetic dental application. When it comes to getting braces you should know that there are plenty of options out there! Unfortunately, I was stuck with metal braces, but now there are braces that have a tooth color to them, braces that affix to the back of your teeth, and there are also clear braces and other alignment devices to choose from.

2. Teeth Whitening

Again, not surgery, but finding a dentist that provides affordable cosmetic dentistry which includes teeth whitening can be a challenge. Especially if you drink a lot of coffee like me and find you need a number of treatments. Teeth whiteners are not as scary as you might think, they are just taking advantage of the chemistry of peroxide! Oxidation from the peroxide gives you brighter and whiter teeth.

3. Teeth Cleaning

For those of us with anxiety it could be best to search for a sedation dentist when you perform your local dentist search. Teeth cleaning is a little traumatic for anyone who is not fond of the dentist, so would you not rather be asleep? Most affordable cosmetic dentistry facilities are not in the business of teeth cleaning, but it does not hurt to ask.

Tooth health is important. Even the Babylonians knew this. They used toothbrushes as far back as 3500 BC, primitive though they were. These toothbrushes were actually just twigs from aromatic trees. The Babylonians would chew on the sticks until they were frayed and this would brush their teeth.

For some people, regular teeth cleaning is not enough. Almost 85% of the people with chronic bad breath, or halitosis, are exhibiting a symptom of some underlying dental condition. A good dentist can help you identify whether it is periodontal disease or something else.

Do you feel better now? You should. Before freaking out about your next cosmetic dental visit do a little research and learn all you can. I guarantee you will feel better. Links like this: www.wacofamilydental.com