1.   Although cosmetic dentistry is becoming widespread, the relatively high cost makes it inaccessible to a number of people.

2.   And whatever type of cosmetic dentistry you are considering, the Massachusetts Dental Society recommends talking to your dentist first about your expectations and your options.

3.   Cosmetic dentistry, a booming field in general dentistry, deals with repairing and restoring damaged teeth, as well as improving the appearance of healthy but unattractive ones.

4.   Dentists now spend most of their time on preventative care, he said, with some focusing on cosmetic dentistry and other high-profit-margin work.

5.   In the absence of a licensed specialty in cosmetic dentistry, patients must educate themselves about the procedures they want, Friedman said.

6.   In the past five years, the demand for cosmetic dentistry has increased dramatically.

7.   It offers advice and information on cosmetic dentistry, plaque buildup, root canals, periodontal surgery, tooth decay and tooth extraction.

8.   Modern procedures are light years ahead of the crude cosmetic dentistry that was practiced in the early days, dentists say.

9.   Surprisingly, men are even more interested in cosmetic dentistry than women.

10.   While a few dental insurances cover some types of cosmetic dentistry, most patients have to pay for the procedures themselves.