Newsletter
MADISON, Wis., USA: A new survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has provided new insights into the dynamics of the U.S. cosmetic dentistry market. In addition to information regarding the size and impact of this market, the survey established the reasons people sought cosmetic dental treatment in 2013.
The academy's investigators found that 60 percent of cosmetic dentistry patients in 2013 were female and 40 percent were male. Regarding the age of cosmetic dentistry patients, they found that over 55 percent of patients were aged between 31 and 60.
According to the survey, improvement of attractiveness and self-esteem (89 percent) was the primary reason people sought cosmetic dental treatment in 2013. Over 50 percent were treated to fix previous failed cosmetic treatment. While another 50 percent underwent cosmetic procedures to look or feel younger, a considerable number of patients did so to improve their career opportunities (23 percent) or to improve their success in a romantic relationship (16 percent).
The survey also showed that crowns, bonding, veneers, whitening, implants and bridges were among the most common cosmetic treatments performed by dental professionals in 2013.
With regard to the total number of cosmetic dental patients, 14 percent of the dental professionals surveyed said that fewer than 25 patients had sought cosmetic procedures in 2013. However, at the top end of the distribution, about 6 percent of practices had seen 1,000 or more cosmetic patients.
In addition, the survey showed that, on average, patients spent between $2,500 and $10,000 (40 percent). About 5 percent of the respondents said that their patients had paid $20,000 or more.
The survey was conducted between October and November 2013. Over 500 U.S.-based dental professionals completed the survey online, 91 percent of whom were general or cosmetic dentists.
The full report, titled "Cosmetic Dentistry: State of the Industry," is available on the academy's website.
