Because of the widespread use of social media, our accessibility to enhanced aesthetic treatments has never been greater. Part of this is that so much more of our lives are photographed and recorded, so it’s unsurprising that people want to feel happier with their smile.
The Hollywood smile has been viewed as the gold standard; a sparkling, perfectly aligned grin of ultra-white veneers. Many may aspire to this aesthetic, boosting their self-confidence and consequently improving their quality of life.
But has the pendulum swung the other way? It has been noted by Forbes that dental practices are seeing a rise in patients who are stepping away from conventional treatments and preserving the individuality of their smile. After all, in a time of cultural consolidation, the desire to stand out remains stronger than ever.
In the UK, high-street dentistry is flourishing, with analysts expecting overall market growth to reach 20% by 2029, in part because of cosmetic dental treatments. Amidst this is an increased interest in natural-looking smile design:
One explanation for the decline of the Hollywood smile is that Hollywood itself no longer sees it as a necessity: actors like Aimee Lou Wood and Zendaya have heralded in a new generation of stars who have retained notably natural smiles – and been warmly received for doing so.
Function has now replaced fashion, and patients are looking at what they can enhance, rather than what they can replace. This means a rise in minimally invasive treatments, such as composite bonding and gentle gum contouring, rather than an aggressive reshape of the whole smile.
These smaller treatments are also more financially viable for patients, especially during a time where consumers may have reduced spending power amidst higher fuel, food and power prices. Yet this is also beneficial for business. For instance, composite bonding can subtly enhance a smile, and if the patient is satisfied with the outcome, they are likely to recommend it to family and friends because of the cost-effectiveness, efficiency and excellent aesthetic results.
At the same time as patients are veering away from Hollywood smiles, there is a growing awareness of oral health and how it is a pillar of overall wellbeing. The Oral Health Foundation found that 93% of UK adults feel confident to discuss their teeth and gums, emphasising the importance of regular conversations and the best practices to look after the mouth. So, the balance between function and aesthetic is becoming more of a priority for patients too.
With a rising interest in natural smile design, the dental industry must meet the demand by promoting and delivering ethical, minimally invasive cosmetic treatments that allow patients to retain their individuality.
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