The power of a smile
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 8th November 2021
It is hard to deny the beauty in a ‘perfect’ smile.
In an age where social media dominates day-to-day life, the allure of a stunning set of teeth is difficult to avoid. For dentists, it can be tough seeing how the daily bombardment of ‘perfect’ smiles affects a patient’s self-esteem. It’s worrying too, since patients may take matters into their own hands to achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes quickly.
There can be too much focus on the aesthetics of a smile, with oral health being pushed to the backburner. For the sake of convenience, time and money, patients may avoid professional cosmetic dental treatment, and use other means in their pursuit of visual ‘flawlessness’.
Dentists want patients to be happy with their smiles as well as prioritise their oral and overall health. By equipping patients with reliable information and educating them on the benefits of professional cosmetic dental treatment, they’ll realise they can achieve their anticipated outcomes without compromising their oral health.
The beauty of attraction
A study[i] was conducted to ascertain whether the aesthetics of teeth play a role in physical attraction. The participants viewed six images with unmodified, decayed or whitened teeth, and rated the images on four personality traits. The results showed that the whiter teeth were attributed with more positive personal traits than ‘unmodified’ teeth, and significantly more than those that were ‘decayed’. An alternate study[ii] showed that 92% of participants said they felt more confident after having their teeth straightened. Likewise, there is evidence[iii] that veneers could boost self-confidence, especially in young patients, as they often provide immediate and gratifying results.
It is generally accepted that high self-esteem is beneficial to many aspects of a person’s life, such as job satisfaction, for example.[iv] But new research[v] has revealed that more than 51% of the population are made to feel anxious about their smiles, with social media proving the biggest culprit. Under such influence, people may desperately seek more convenient ways to feel confident with their smiles: this is where things become concerning for dentists…
The quest for ‘perfection’ has its dangers
The quest for visually pleasing teeth could yield positive results: with a brighter, more beautiful smile, patients may be more vigilant with brushing, flossing, attending regular appointments and cutting out smoking or sugary foods. But with so many ‘quick fixes’ available online and in-stores, patients may take matters into their own hands, which can prove detrimental to their oral health.
Recently there has been a surge of ‘DIY dentistry hacks’ going viral on social media platforms, such as on TikTok. One video shows a user rinsing their mouth with a solution of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide to whitening the teeth. As you know, the legal limit of over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide in cosmetic products in the UK is 0.1%. Products containing over that limit and not handled by a dental professional could cause severe chemical burns, and possibly cause permanent damage to the teeth and gums. [vi] Another video saw a user filing their teeth down with a nail file to ‘perfect’ them. As enamel doesn’t grow back, expensive restorative work may be necessary to re-build the teeth.[vii]
Ensuring your patients are confident in their smiles, as well as maintaining good oral health, is your priority as a dentist. By raising awareness of the benefits of professional support, patients can see the stark distinction between risky ‘DIY’ treatments and those done in a safe environment.
Patients can have the best of both worlds
Keeping up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques in the field means you’ll always be able to offer high-quality aesthetic outcomes to your patients. The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) is the world-leading authority in cosmetic dental education, striving for clinical excellence and sharing this commitment with the whole dental team. By becoming a member, you’ll have access to copious learning and networking opportunities, so you can develop your skills and confidence while connecting with a range of experienced clinicians and likeminded professionals within the cosmetic dentistry field.
There really is power in a happy and healthy smile. Patients don’t have to compromise their oral health to achieve an aesthetic smile; they can have both when they choose professional treatment. Keep them informed, educated and empowered so they make the right decisions regarding their confidence and oral health.
For further enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry visit www.bacd.com
[i] British Dental Journal. Summary of: The influence of tooth colour on the perceptions of personal characteristics. Available online. https://www.nature.com/articles/bdj.2008.178. Accessed 25 Aug. 21.
[ii] The Invisalign It Starts with a Smile National Survey. Available online. http://www.theparkbraceclinic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/startswithasmilesurvey.pdf. Accessed 25 Aug. 21.
[iii] The National Health Science Journal. Enhanced self-confidence in young adolescents. Available online. https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/682/628. Accessed 25 Aug. 21.
[iv] Oxford Academic. Self-esteem in a broad-spectrum approach for mental health promotion. Available online. https://academic.oup.com/her/article/19/4/357/560320?login=true. Accessed 25 Aug. 21.
[v] Oral Health Foundation. Charity uses us to ‘be proud of our smile’. Available online. https://www.dentalhealth.org/News/charity-urges-us-to-be-proud-of-our-smile-as-new-research-reveals-most-of-us-have-anxieties-about-our-teeth. Accessed 25 Aug. 21.
[vi] Oral Health Foundation. Charity alarmed by latest batch of dangerous DIY dental hacks. Available online. https://www.dentalhealth.org/News/charity-alarmed-by-latest-batch-of-dangerous-diy-dental-hacks-to-come-out-of-tiktok. Accessed 25 Aug. 21.
[vii] Oral Health Foundation. Dangerous DIY dental hacks. https://www.dentalhealth.org/News/charity-alarmed-by-latest-batch-of-dangerous-diy-dental-hacks-to-come-out-of-tiktok.
