The current cosmetic dental opportunity
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 3rd July 2021
Though brought to the fore more recently, evidence that people in the UK are unhappy with the appearance of their smiles has existed for many years. The aesthetics of the teeth and gums is often a motivating factor for people to attend the dentist, seek dental treatment and even improve their oral hygiene. While the health of the mouth and the corresponding links to enhanced systemic health are important and must be communicated, using patients’ desire for enhanced aesthetics can be a great starting point in their dental journey. There are then a wide variety of cosmetic dental solutions available, which clinicians should be looking to capitalise on to deliver the services and support their patients seek.
Demand is booming
Of course, we cannot talk about cosmetic dentistry without mentioning the recent significant rise in demand across the UK and abroad. The so-called “Zoom boom” is the presumed result of prolonged time spent staring at ourselves on-screen. Many people have not only identified potential flaws in their appearance, but have also been inspired to do something about them. Perhaps reduced opportunity for spending and increased disposable income has made investing in their appearance a financial priority for more people.
Whatever the driving force, most dental professionals will agree that they have seen a rise in enquiries for all manner of cosmetic dental procedures from composite bonding to anterior orthodontics, tooth whitening and veneers. Patients are willing to invest in the appearance of their smile – the trade-off being that they also invest in their long-term oral health in order to optimise both quality and longevity of results achieved through cosmetic treatment. However, in committing to this, patients will usually have high expectations. There is no doubt that patients are more aesthetically aware than ever and will now often present with images of media smiles that they would like for themselves, but not everyone can have an exact copy of Julia Robert’s smile.
It is important for these patients to manage expectations while not dampening their enthusiasm. Detailed treatment planning utilising 3D diagnostic planning will ensure that the optimum result for each patient is achieved. An experienced cosmetic laboratory should be able to guide the diagnostic and planning process and a 3D full face mock-up will give a fairly accurate simulation of the proposed treatment.
The benefits of veneers
In appropriate cases veneers offer a fantastic solution for patients with even the highest aesthetic expectations. They can dramatically improve the appearance of discoloured, chipped, gappy or worn teeth while also protecting the existing teeth from further damage. They require little preparation to preserve maximum natural structure and facilitate a highly aesthetic and very natural-looking finish that patients love.
Ceramic or composite
Both materials have their advocates and in the hands of an artist, both can achieve pleasing aesthetics. However, while composite may be an initially cheaper option, its durability is less than half that of ceramic.
In the longer-term porcelain veneers deliver colour stability and are resistant to staining and chipping. Unlike composite, they are relatively low-maintenance – nothing over and above the usual recommended oral health habits and dental appointments is required, so patients can enjoy the benefits for longer. Composite veneers are sometimes claimed to be a more conservative option, but due to the limited lifespan of composite this is debatable. A ceramic veneer lifespan is approximately 15-20 years. During this period composite may need to be replaced several times, resulting in more enamel loss and higher overall cost to the patient.
The use of 3D designed diagnostic temporaries and the Gurel APR/APT technique[i] results in minimal preps and secure enamel bonded restorations. Pre-treatment alignment of misaligned teeth should be carried out if excessive dentine exposure is predicted by the diagnostic mock-up.
A team effort
Cosmetic dentistry is definitely a team effort. Firstly, there is a high demand for cosmetic dentists with the experience and confidence to deliver highly aesthetic solutions alongside good function and durability. This provides an opportunity for clinicians to develop their skills and technologies in order to advance their services and meet the needs of their patients. Current demand also makes this a positive area of business growth for stable profitability and boosted recovery from the financial difficulties of the last year.
The second piece to the puzzle is the patient. They must understand their role and comply with professional oral health instructions and recommendations in order to enjoy the best treatment outcomes. Responsibility for on-going oral hygiene and regular check-ups also falls on them.
Thirdly, cosmetic dentists need to work with a laboratory they trust to ensure the highest aesthetic standards with no compromise in function or durability of restorations. An experienced technical team will have the expertise to offer advice on preparations, restorations, impressions and occlusion. Collaboration between technician and dentist is crucial throughout the process. The use of digital treatment planning in the surgery or lab means that the aesthetic and functional details can be worked out before the try-in stage for a seamless workflow and outstanding treatment journey for the patient.
Knight Dental Design are renowned for their industry-leading cosmetic dental solutions. The family-run laboratory based in South London are praised by practices across the UK and abroad for their personalised service. Six times UK Dental Laboratory of the Year and smile creation laboratory for the Ten Years Younger TV programmes, they are known for transforming thousands of patients smiles with minimum prep veneers and implants.
Plus, Knight veneers are different! They are produced using a digital wax printing and ceramic pressing process that results in noticeably better fits than other methods. Created by a highly experienced team who have the artistic skill and talent to meet even the most complex aesthetic challenges, Knight veneers have restored some of the most famous smiles in the UK.
Health benefits
Cosmetic dentistry is as much about restoring patients’ confidence as it is about improving the appearance of their teeth and gums. Solutions such as porcelain veneers can also provide the motivation people need to really take care of their mouths with elevated oral hygiene resulting in ongoing health and psychological benefits.
Knight Dental Design, working with Dr Uchenna Okoye, have transformed over 20 smiles for the TV programme Ten Years Younger in Ten Days. To see what a difference a smile makes, see the life-changing cases at: https://www.channel5.com/show/10-years-younger-in-10-days/.
For more information, please visit www.knightdentaldesign.co.uk, email info@kdduk.net or call 0208 317 0979
[i] Gurel G. predictable and precise tooth preparation techniques for porcelain laminate veneers in complex cases. International Dentistry SA.2014. 9(1);30-40
Author:
Tony heads the technical team at the lab and is supported by two quality control managers. He is in daily contact with clients to discuss cases and to formulate advanced treatment plans.
As one of the most experienced aesthetic dental technicians in the UK, he has lectured at The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The World Aesthetic Congress and The Dental Technology Show. He has contributed articles to several professional publications and is currently on the editorial board of Premium Practice Dentistry magazine and a judge of the The Smile Awards.
