The ‘now’ culture and its effects on oral aesthetics
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 19th June 2023
The digitisation of life in the developed world, with same-day delivery, live chat customer service, content streaming and real-time interaction across multiple channels, has generated a hunger for immediacy and instant gratification.[i] Filters in social media apps designed to create an instant façade of physical perfection have fuelled the pursuit of aesthetic treatments in real life.[ii] A ‘perfect smile’ has long been associated with attractiveness and confidence but the proliferation of gleaming straight, white teeth across all influential media has led to a rapidly growing demand for dental aesthetics.[iii]
It’s not just the young social media generation that are forming the burgeoning demand for cosmetic dentistry. Studies show that older adults, of 65 years and older, are increasingly using social media[iv] and research suggests that anxiety about body image is not only the domain of younger people. Body image worries can continue into older age[v] although they tend to be weighed more towards the body’s function than looks as in younger people.[vi] We all know that the older population is increasing globally.[vii] Ageing can have a detrimental effect on dental health and missing teeth need to be replaced if basic functions such as chewing or speaking are affected. The popularity of dental implants as an expanded treatment option for tooth loss has grown amongst this age group.[viii]
The evolution of dental implants
Patients are today able to reap the benefits of remarkable developments in the field of dental implants. There has been constant modification of implant structures and surfaces in order to refine the treatment process and improve outcomes.[ix] The surgical technique is another factor that has undergone significant evolution, with immediate, early or delayed implant placement options all firmly established treatment protocols.[x] The conventional delayed implant procedure can take up to six months; early implant placements up to eight weeks.[xi] The disadvantages to the patient of these procedures in terms of cost and convenience were key drivers in the quest to minimise treatment time.[xii]
Immediate implant placement, with its inherent advantages such as reduced time in surgery and overall psychological benefits to the patient, has become a more commonplace procedure. Studies show many positive clinical outcomes of the technique: immediate placement can help prevent contamination of the extraction socket,[xiii] for instance. Evidence also shows the procedure can help preserve the height and width of the alveolar bone,[xiv] improve osseointegration and inhibit soft tissue recession[xv] – a significant factor in the aesthetic outcome.
When are immediate implants right for the patient?
Immediate dental implants are proven to have many positive attributes, but it’s critical to take into account all relevant factors to determine whether a patient is suitable for the procedure. Contraindications of immediate implant placement may include poor oral hygiene or active periodontal disease.[xvi] An alternative approach, such as a delayed implant, might be advisable if treatment of infection is required at the site.[xvii] The primary stability of the implant is an important factor in the overall success of immediate placement and so bone quality is a vital consideration too: D2 or D3 bone is considered adequate.[xviii] A thin or damaged facial bone wall may warrant early implant placement instead.[xix]
In order for a dental implant procedure to achieve the optimal outcome – both clinically and aesthetically – the materials, equipment and technology involved must be carefully considered and selectively chosen. Meeting the growth in demand over the past few years has led to astonishingly rapid and sophisticated progress in the field. The Straumann® TLX Implant System brings cutting-edge innovation to immediate implant protocols. Designed with efficiency, ease and patient satisfaction at its core, the TLX System combines the high mechanical strength of Roxolid® implants[xx] with the enhanced bone regeneration properties of SLActive®surface material[xxi] to promote primary stability. The built-in emergence profile allows flexibility in soft tissue management, a key element in the aesthetic outcome.[xxii] [xxiii]
Immediate implants: swift success?
Whatever the age or circumstances of a patient, tooth loss can have negative effects on confidence and relationships.[xxiv] The restorative dental needs of an ageing population and a growing demand for improved dental aesthetics[xxv] are driving the growth of the global implant dentistry market and immediate protocols play a key role in this arena. While cultural pressures are notoriously powerful factors, it’s critical for patient and clinician to weigh up the pros and cons of different types of implant placement techniques. A thorough treatment plan must be agreed upon post-procedure with emphasis on assiduous adherence to oral care in order to promote the best clinical and aesthetic outcomes.
For more information about the Straumann® TLX Implant System visit www.straumann-uk.co/tlx
[i] Parise S, Guinan PJ, Kafka R. Solving the crisis of immediacy: How digital technology can transform the customer experience. 2016. Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 59(4), pages 411-420. Available at https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/bushor/v59y2016i4p411-420.html Accessed March 13, 2023.
[ii] Henriques M, Patnaik D. Social media and its effects on beauty. Beauty – Cosmetic science, cultural issues and creative developments [internet]. May 12, 2021. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93322. Accessed March 13, 2023.
[iii] Radhakissoon J. The impact of social media on cosmetic dentistry. Article: www.dentistry.co.uk. April 23, 2021. Available at https://dentistry.co.uk/2021/04/23/the-impact-of-social-media-on-cosmetic-dentistry/. Accessed March 13, 2023.
[iv] Cotton SR, Schuster AM, Seifert A. Social media use and well-being among older adults. 2022. Science Direct. www.science direct.com. Available at: https://www.midus.wisc.edu/findings/pdfs/2449.pdf. Accessed March 13, 2023.
[v] Mental Health Foundation. Body image in later life. How comfortable are adults with their bodies in later life? 2019. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/body-image-how-we-think-and-feel-about-our-bodies/body-image-later-life. Accessed March 13, 2023.
[vi] Roy M, Payette H. The body image construct among Western seniors: a systematic review of the literature. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. May 10, 2012. 55(3):505-21. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2012.04.007. Epub. PMID: 22578668. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22578668/. Accessed March 13, 2023.
[vii] Leung KC, Chu CH. Dental care for older adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health. December 23, 2022. 20(1):214. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20010214. PMID: 36612536; PMCID: PMC9819414. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9819414/. Accessed March 13, 2023.
[viii] Leung KC, Chu CH. Dental care for older adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health. December 23, 2022. 20(1):214. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20010214. PMID: 36612536; PMCID: PMC9819414. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9819414/. Accessed March 14, 2023.
[ix] Abraham CM. A brief historical perspective on dental implants, their surface coatings and treatments. Open Dent J. May, 2014. 16;8:50-5. doi: 10.2174/1874210601408010050. PMID: 24894638; PMCID: PMC4040928. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4040928/. Accessed March 14, 2023.
[x] Singh G, Pareek R, Rajawat GS, Kadam A, Al Abdulsalam M, Al Abdulathim A. Comparison of Bone Healing in Immediate Implant Placement versus Delayed Implant Placement. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. November, 2021. 13(Suppl 2):S1309-S1314. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_136_21. Epub 2021 Nov 10. PMID: 35017978; PMCID: PMC8687037. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8687037/. Accessed March 14, 2023.
[xi] Singh G, Pareek R, Rajawat GS, Kadam A, Al Abdulsalam M, Al Abdulathim A. Comparison of Bone Healing in Immediate Implant Placement versus Delayed Implant Placement. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2021 Nov;13(Suppl 2):S1309-S1314. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_136_21. Epub 2021 Nov 10. PMID: 35017978; PMCID: PMC8687037. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8687037/. Accessed March 14, 2023.
[xii] Singh M, Kumar L, Anwar M, Chand P. Immediate dental implant placement with immediate loading following extraction of natural teeth. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. July – December 2015. 6(2):252-5. doi: 10.4103/0975-5950.183864. PMID: 27390509; PMCID: PMC4922245. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4922245/ Accessed March 14, 2023.
[xiii] Singh M, Kumar L, Anwar M, Chand P. Immediate dental implant placement with immediate loading following extraction of natural teeth. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. July – December 2015. 6(2):252-5. doi: 10.4103/0975-5950.183864. PMID: 27390509; PMCID: PMC4922245. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4922245/ Accessed March 14, 2023.
[xiv] Ebenezer V, Balakrishnan K, Asir RV, Sragunar B. Immediate placement of endosseous implants into the extraction sockets. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. April 2015;7(Suppl 1):S234-7. doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.155926. PMID: 26015721; PMCID: PMC4439681. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439681/. Accessed March 17, 2023.
[xv] Singh M, Kumar L, Anwar M, Chand P. Immediate dental implant placement with immediate loading following extraction of natural teeth. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. July – December 2015. 6(2):252-5. doi: 10.4103/0975-5950.183864. PMID: 27390509; PMCID: PMC4922245. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4922245/ Accessed March 14, 2023.
[xvi] Turkyilmaz I, Hoders AB. Immediate loading in implant dentistry. Current concepts in dental implantology [Internet]. Feb 25, 2015; Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/59321
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/47650. Accessed March 16, 2023
[xvii] Pal US, Dhiman NK, Singh G, Singh RK, Mohammad S, Malkunje LR. Evaluation of implants placed immediately or delayed into extraction sites. J Maxillofac Surg. 2011 Jan-Jun; 2(1): 54–62. doi: 10.4103/0975-5950.85855 PMCID: PMC3304239 PMID: 22442611. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3304239/. Accessed March 15, 2023.
[xviii] Singh M, Kumar L, Anwar M, Chand P. Immediate dental implant placement with immediate loading following extraction of natural teeth. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. July – December 2015. 6(2):252-5. doi: 10.4103/0975-5950.183864. PMID: 27390509; PMCID: PMC4922245. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4922245/ Accessed March 14, 2023.
[xix] Buser D, Chappuis V, Belser UC, Chen S. Implant placement post extraction in esthetic single tooth sites: when immediate, when early, when late? December 21, 2016. Periodontology 2000. Vol 73, Issue 1, pp. 84-102. February 2017. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/prd.12170. Accessed March 17, 2023.
[xx] Straumann® Roxolid®. www.straumann.com. Available at: https://www.straumann.com/gb/en/dental-professionals/science/literature/roxolid.html. Accessed March 16, 2023.
[xxi] Straumann® SLActive® www.straumann.com. Available at: https://www.straumann.com/gb/en/dental-professionals/products-and-solutions/dental-implants/dental-implant-surfaces.html#slactive. Accessed March 17, 2023.
[xxii] Straumann® TLX® Implant Systm. www.straumann.com. Available at: https://www.straumann.com/gb/en/discover/tlx-ebook.html. Accessed 17 March, 2023.
[xxiii] Durrani F, Nahid R, Pandey S, Painuly H, Shukla A. Soft-tissues stabilization after immediate implant; platform switch with supraperiosteal augmentation. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2021 Nov-Dec;25(6):553-559. doi: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_413_20. Epub 2021 Nov 1. PMID: 34898924; PMCID: PMC8603790. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8603790/. Accessed March 16, 2023.
[xxiv] Singh M, Kumar L, Anwar M, Chand P. Immediate dental implant placement with immediate loading following extraction of natural teeth. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. July – December, 2015. 6(2):252-5. doi: 10.4103/0975-5950.183864. PMID: 27390509; PMCID: PMC4922245. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4922245/. Accessed March 14, 2023.
[xxv] Cosmetic dentistry market size, share & trends analysis report by product (dental systems & equipment, dental implants, dental crowns & bridges), by region, and segment forecasts, 2022 – 2030. Report ID: 978-1-68038-951-7. Available at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cosmetic-dentistry-market. Accessed March 14, 2023.
