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“Our case acceptance has exceeded our expecta- tions with these adjusted fees,” Pace Brinker said. AACD members said their practices generated about US$19,100 on average from whitening last year.ThemajorityofAACDmemberspolledsaidthat they provide in-office and take-home whitening treatments.Inaddition,22%saidthattheirpatients have told them that they use over-the-counter or commercially available whitening treatments. Regardinggender,itseemsthatwomenaremore concernedwithhavingawhitesmile.Roughly65% ofdentalpatientswhosoughtwhiteningtreatment last year were female, according to the poll. _Fountain of youth at the dentist? Brushing, flossing and regular care are still key ways for patients to have a younger looking mouth, but more dentists will be adding Botox to their of- ferings in 2011, another AACD survey has found. “Cosmetic dentists are now using Botox and dermal filler treatments to improve patient smiles and reduce wrinkles in addition to treating problems like temporomandibular joint disorders,” said Dr Christopher Ramsey, accredited member of the AACD. Cosmetic dentists say another major area of growth in 2011 will be dental implants, or replace- ment of missing or decayed teeth, owing to the in- creasingsizeoftheageingpopulation.“Toothdecay is a growing concern for older patients who are using more medications, which lead to dry mouth,” said Dr Ramsey. “More seniors are turning away fromdenturesandbridgeworkforamorecomfort- ableandlonger-lastingimplantoption.”Otherpop- ular procedures noted include veneers (52 %), re- placementfillings(45%)anddentalbonding(37%). _New technology makes dentist visits quicker and easier According to the survey, 63 % of the cosmetic dentists expect their business to experience at least moderate growth in 2011. Dentists in the survey at- tribute this predicted growth mainly to technology. Today, more cosmetic dentists are using the Apple iPad and other technologies to make visits quicker and easier. New technologies have reduced patient office time by at least 50 %, increasing patient safety, and making the whole dental process easier andmorecomfortable.In2011,dentistspredictthat there will be increased use of: _iPads and iPhones: Cosmetic dentists cite a wide range of uses from charting, displaying X-rays and managing dental records to improving diagnoses andeducatingtheirpatients.Multiplenewappsare also emerging, including an iPhone calculator that helpscosmeticdentistsanalyseandplannewsmiles for patients. Dentists and patients are also using smartphone apps to connect with each other— set up and confirm appointments, learn about the office staff, request medication refills and more. _Digital X-rays: Using these, cosmetic dentists can obtain a clearer picture of problems, such as an abscessordecay,inamuchshortertimethanwith the older version of X-rays. _Computer-aided dentistry: CAD/CAM is revolu- tionising tooth restorations, replacing goop-filled trays with 3-D scans that mean no mess and no second appointments. Milling machines then use this 3-D data to create perfect ceramic crowns._ I 19 news _ AACD I cosmeticdentistry 2_2011 The AACD is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouragingthehigheststandardsofethicalconduct and responsible patient care.TheAACD fulfils its missionby:offeringsuperioreducationalopportunities; promoting and supporting a respected accreditation credential; serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas; and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession. For more information,please visit www.aacd.com. cosmeticdentistry _about the academy