Selfies and cosmetic dentistry

I recently read an article in the Telegraph that dentist are seeing a huge rise in patients who take selfies seeking treatment to perfect their smile. The report suggests that many patients who take selfies wish to have a reduction in the dominance of their natural teeth. The report also states that surgeons are having to stop several people a week from undergoing unnecessary treatment, as in real life their teeth look fine.

Selfies

A selfie is a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone and shared via social media. Nowadays many people take selfies and as a result people want to look their best in these photographs.

Dr Tim Bradstock-Smith, the clinical director at the London Smile Clinic has said:

“The problem with a selfie is that the picture is taken quite closely, so the image can be distorted, teeth often look more protruding than they are in real life and appear ‘horse-like’, which can also be emphasised by the unflattering light of the flash”

Therefore, it appears that people are getting a false impression of what their actual teeth look like and are being too hasty about seeking cosmetic dentistry.

Dr Bradstock-Smith has also advised:

“We dissuade approximately two to three patients now each week from treatment, and for many others will recommend simple alignment of front teeth with clear aligners instead of major intervention work – and we now even offer tips on taking better photos.”

Cosmetic dentistry

There has been a rise in cosmetic dentistry and with selfies becoming a part of modern day living, it is understandable that people will want to achieve the perfect smile in their selfie snap.

Cosmetic dentistry treatments include orthodontic work such as ‘Invisalign’ braces (invisible braces to realign the teeth), crowns, veneers and teeth whitening through bleaching.

However, cosmetic dentistry is not without its dangers and cosmetic treatment can result in the unnecessary damage of perfectly healthy teeth. This can mean more treatment, more expense, and an eventual outcome which may not match a patient’s original aesthetic requirements.

My colleague Jessica Watson has written a previous blog on our website, when cosmetic dentistry goes wrong. This blog highlights the problems that people can encounter after having cosmetic dentistry. Therefore, people should think hard before rushing into cosmetic dentistry to achieve the perfect smile for their next selfie.

Our experience

If you wish to discuss a potential enquiry with us regarding poor cosmetic treatment. Please feel free to contact the Dental Negligence Team and we will be happy to assist you and provide you with our initial advice.