It’s not a secret that everyone wants a smile that turns heads for the right reasons.
Whether it’s a Zoom meeting, a first date, or just a feel-good mirror moment, Americans are putting their money where their mouth is (literally) to upgrade their smiles.
From brightening treatments to subtle straighteners, cosmetic dentistry has become more popular than ever.
But which procedures are stealing the spotlight? We dug into the data to uncover what dental treatment each state is loving most, and the results may just surprise you.
Key Observations:
- Invisalign is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure across the U.S. It leads the charts in most states, clocking the highest normalized values per 1,000 people.
- Veneers take the crown in Washington, Wisconsin, Colorado, New Mexico, and Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island holds the title for the highest per capita interest in any cosmetic dental procedure, with veneers at 2.19 per 1,000 people.
Our Methodology
To get to the root of what’s trending in cosmetic dentistry, we pulled data from Google Data and combined it with U.S. Census Bureau population stats.
Here’s how we approached the analysis:
- Identifying Popular Procedures: We focused on four key cosmetic treatments: teeth whitening, dental implants, veneers, and Invisalign.
- Data Collection: We gathered population estimates for each state and analyzed search volume for each procedure.
- Normalization: To ensure fairness, we calculated the number of procedures per 1,000 people, providing a clear picture of demand relative to state populations.
The American’s Favorite Cosmetic Procedure
Invisalign is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the US, with an average of 1.02 procedures per 1,000 people, significantly higher than the alternatives.
- Invisalign dominates in 39 out of 50 states (78%).
- Veneers are the top choice in 5 states, including Rhode Island ( where it has the highest per-capita rate).
- Teeth Whitening is the least popular on average, despite being a common procedure.
State-by-State Breakdown
| State | Most Popular Procedure | Procedures per 1,000 People |
| California | Invisalign | 1.26 |
| Texas | Invisalign | 1.06 |
| Florida | Invisalign | 1.16 |
| New York | Invisalign | 1.36 |
| Pennsylvania | Invisalign | 1.13 |
| Illinois | Invisalign | 1.16 |
| Ohio | Invisalign | 1.02 |
| Georgia | Invisalign | 1.32 |
| North Carolina | Invisalign | 1.34 |
| Michigan | Invisalign | 0.98 |
| New Jersey | Invisalign | 1.27 |
| Virginia | Invisalign | 1.37 |
| Washington | Veneers | 1.02 |
| Arizona | Invisalign | 1.07 |
| Tennessee | Invisalign | 0.91 |
| Massachusetts | Invisalign | 1.41 |
| Indiana | Invisalign | 0.78 |
| Missouri | Invisalign | 0.86 |
| Maryland | Invisalign | 1.30 |
| Wisconsin | Veneers | 0.91 |
| Colorado | Veneers | 0.91 |
| Minnesota | Invisalign | 1.14 |
| South Carolina | Invisalign | 0.99 |
| Alabama | Invisalign | 0.85 |
| Louisiana | Invisalign | 0.78 |
| Kentucky | Invisalign | 0.78 |
| Oregon | Invisalign | 1.03 |
| Oklahoma | Invisalign | 0.71 |
| Connecticut | Invisalign | 1.20 |
| Utah | Invisalign | 0.83 |
| Iowa | Invisalign | 0.89 |
| Nevada | Invisalign | 1.11 |
| Arkansas | Invisalign | 0.78 |
| Mississippi | Invisalign | 0.64 |
| Kansas | Invisalign | 0.82 |
| New Mexico | Veneers | 0.75 |
| Nebraska | Invisalign | 0.96 |
| Idaho | Invisalign | 0.81 |
| West Virginia | Invisalign | 0.74 |
| Hawaii | Invisalign | 1.11 |
| New Hampshire | Invisalign | 1.15 |
| Maine | Invisalign | 0.94 |
| Montana | Invisalign | 0.78 |
| Rhode Island | Veneers | 2.19 |
| Delaware | Invisalign | 0.97 |
| South Dakota | Invisalign | 0.78 |
| North Dakota | Invisalign | 0.74 |
| Alaska | Invisalign | 0.80 |
| Vermont | Invisalign | 0.91 |
| Wyoming | Invisalign | 0.82 |
A Closer Look at the Procedures
Whether you’re after small improvements or a total transformation, here’s what makes these options stand out, and why they’re trending from coast to coast:
- Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening has become the gateway into cosmetic dentistry for many Americans. It’s fast, affordable, and can be done professionally or at home. Whether it’s for a big event or a personal confidence boost, whitening is often the first step people take toward enhancing their smile.
Why it’s so popular:
- It’s non-invasive—no drilling or numbing required.
- Results are visible almost instantly.
- It’s a low-cost cosmetic option with high visual impact.
- It fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle—quick treatments, minimal downtime.
Professional whitening, though slightly more expensive than over-the-counter kits, provides better results and reduces sensitivity through custom-fitted trays and stronger bleaching agents.
- Invisalign
Invisalign has disrupted traditional orthodontics in the best way possible. With its clear, removable trays, it’s no wonder so many people—from high school students to corporate professionals-are—are making the switch.
Why it’s so popular:
- Discreet aligners allow for a more natural appearance during treatment.
- Trays are removable for meals and brushing, making oral hygiene easier.
- Treatment plans are highly personalized using 3D digital scans.
- Many cases now resolve faster than traditional braces, often in 12 to 18 months.
The aligners are replaced every one to two weeks to gradually shift teeth into place. It’s a modern solution for a modern world—and patients love how flexible and comfortable it is, considering how long Invisalign takes.
- Veneers
Veneers are the ultimate power move for people who want a perfect smile without going through years of orthodontic or restorative work. Made from porcelain or composite materials, veneers are custom-made to cover the front surface of your teeth, instantly correcting imperfections.
Why it’s so popular:
- It provides immediate and dramatic results.
- Fixes discoloration, chips, spacing, and uneven shapes all at once.
- Offers a long-term solution—porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years with proper care.
- The process is quick, usually completed in two to three visits.
Although veneers come at a higher cost, the payoff is a smile that looks natural, flawless, and Instagram-ready.
- Dental Implants
Dental implants have revolutionized the way we replace missing teeth. Instead of bridges or dentures, implants offer a more permanent and stable solution. They consist of a titanium post surgically implanted into the jawbone, topped with a realistic-looking crown.
Why it’s so popular:
- Mimics the strength and appearance of natural teeth.
- Helps preserve jawbone density and facial structure.
- Doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth like bridges do.
- Offers unmatched durability—implants can last a lifetime with good care.
While implants require a longer treatment timeline and higher upfront cost, the benefits in stability, function, and confidence are hard to beat. For many patients, especially those who’ve struggled with dentures or bridges, implants are a life-changing solution. Check out this article on the frequently asked questions about dental implants.
Final Thoughts
Cosmetic dentistry is more than just a trend—it’s a testament to how much Americans value their smiles.
Whether it’s the quick fix of teeth whitening or the transformative power of veneers, these procedures are helping people across the country look and feel their best.
As we continue to embrace advancements in dental care, one thing is certain: the quest for the perfect smile is here to stay.
