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Madison, WI - Thanks in part to the success of ABC's hit program Extreme Makeover, a primetime program featuring adults who receive cosmetic and personal health treatments in order to improve their appearance and self-confidence, localized versions of makeover contests are now springing up around the country. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD) member dentists have now helped organize successful programs from California to Ohio, Texas to Wisconsin, and all of the dentists who have appeared on ABC's national program have been AACD members as well.

"Thanks to advancements in modern dental care, a variety of options are available to help any person have a dazzling new smile," said AACD President Mike Malone, DDS of Lafayette, Louisiana, himself a featured dentist on several makeover programs. "By combining cosmetic dental care with a training and nutrition regiment, cosmetic surgery, and style consultations, a person can have the appearance they've always desired more easily today than ever before."

Today's top cosmetic dental treatment options include:

Whitening - The most commonly prescribed cosmetic dental procedure, many whitening options are now available to consumers in a wide range of prices. Dentist-supervised treatments remain the AACD recommended procedures for lightening discolored teeth.

Bonding - An option for chipped or cracked teeth, bonding is a process in which an enamel-like material is applied to a tooth's surface, sculpted into shape, hardened, and then polished for an ideal smile.

Implants - A replacement for dentures, implants are a stronger, more attractive option for replacing missing or lost teeth. An anchor is placed in the patient's jaw, and a life-like ceramic restoration is built around it and matched to the original tooth color.

Veneers - An increasingly popular procedure, veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made laminates that are affixed directly to the teeth. They are a great option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that did not respond well to whitening procedures.

As with any dental procedure, the AACD recommends consumers consult with their dentist before undergoing any cosmetic dental treatment.

Source: American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD)