The most popular form of dentistry
Whilst the British are notorious for yellow and crooked teeth, this age-old stereotype is now being challenged as more and more people throughout the UK turn to cosmetic dentistry.
Today, British people spend hundreds and thousands of pounds on their dental care each year, where patients do not just desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, but one that is healthy.
This has seen a surge for cosmetic dentistry over the last few years.
But what is causing this significant growth?
The facts
- Current statistics show that the cosmetic dentistry global market is predicted to grow 5% annually bringing it to an estimated £21 billion by 2026. Source.
- Millennials make up the largest numbers of patients who seek minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedures this includes tooth whitening treatments and orthodontics. Source.
- A straight white smile has been known to influence the perception of success, popularity, intelligence, health and attractiveness. Source.
- The industry is expected to be worth £3.3 billion annually as celebrities and influencers help to drive the growth. Source.
Dentists in this situation who are offering the latest and most advanced treatments will reap the rewards the most as the growth in this industry looks promising and lucrative.
Millennials and Baby Boomers
The British population is growing older, Millennials are beginning to reach their spending peak and the infamous Baby Boomers (1950s/1960s) have more of a disposable income now than ever before.
These two types of patients are willing to spend more money on quality dental care they trust as they understand the importance of not looking after their teeth and gums.
Even though these two varying patients are from different generations, they have similar motivations that lead them to seek out solutions that enhance their health as well as the overall appearance of their teeth.
This is in order to benefit from an improved appearance, self-image and self-confidence.
As Millennials start to take this care earlier into their lives, they will carry much of their natural dentition with them into their older years.
Whereas Baby Boomers are more likely to suffer the consequences and more dental issues such as tooth loss.
It is this age group that requires much more restorative and cosmetic work so that they can maintain and enhance their dental function and aesthetics.
The one major difference between Millennials and Baby Boomers is that Millennials make fast decisions and are much more likely to invest in to quicker, more convenient solutions to repair and enhance their smile.
The rise of the celebrity influence
Our television and phone screens are covered with blinding, pearly white teeth, which often leads to young patients obsessing over the results that cosmetic dentistry can achieve.
With the emergence of digital technology, social media and the internet, many well-known celebrities, influencers and trendsetters are actively influencing their followers and heightening their dental aspirations.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram have provided patients direct access to celebrity profiles where they share images and videos, which has given rise to today’s “selfie culture.”
More than ever, there is greater pressure and emphasis on an individual’s look and persona.
This has increased the need and driven the desire for patients to attain good looking teeth that are straight and white.
Improved treatments
Due to new emerging technology and materials as well as advances to procedures and treatments, the cosmetic boom has been able to thrive faster than ever expected.
We are living in an age where same-day smiles are a reality and where cutting-edge technology like CAD/CAM systems, intraoral scanners and sophisticated 3D imaging software is easily combined with the topmost requested procedures.
These systems not only improve diagnostics but have meant that treatments are safer, longer-lasting and twice as effective.
It also allows greater communication between dentist and patient, where the patient is able to see what the treatment is able to achieve in regards to function and aesthetics.
In fact, very accurate restorations that involve crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays all can be constructed on-site and placed within a single appointment, which frees up chair space and provides happier patients.
In the case of restorative treatments, over the last decade, these have also significantly improved.
Dental implants are quickly replacing dentures as they have become the most desirable tooth replacement option on the market today.
This is because many state-of-the-art implants can be placed in just one surgery, which allows for a more stable, secure and durable result, not to mention they blend flawlessly with existing teeth.
There are now many implant systems available which mimic the natural tooth so well that it can be difficult to distinguish at all between the two – not just in terms of appearance, but how they operate too.
The surge in cosmetic dentistry activity can be pinpointed overall the huge advances in the quality and longevity of the treatments offered.
Practices like The Perfect Smile, who keep up to date with the most recent advances, trends and industry developments will be the best practices in terms of growth and meeting patient needs and specifications.
