DENTISTRY IN THE NEWS
Cosmetic Dentistry Grows In Popularity Across the Pond
According to a recent article in the London, U.K. Evening Standard, nearly one third of all Londoners have undergone some type of cosmetic dental procedure. Nationwide, the figure was somewhat lower, numbering 25% of the UK population. However, according to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the industry generates some 280 million pounds sterling (about 560 million USD) every year.
David Bird, a researcher with Mintel, thinks the “rising cult of celebrity” is responsible for the rising popularity of the growing popularity as people seek to imitate their favorite film and sports stars.
SOURCE: "Londoners Open Wide for Cosmetic Dentistry," The Evening Standard (London, U.K.) 4 Aug. 2006
Beware Off-The-Shelf Tooth Whitening Kits
Tooth whitening kits available at retail outlets are a bad idea, according to Dr. James Goolnik of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
All teeth-whitening procedures, whether done by professionals or not, use hydrogen peroxide. The problem with off-the-shelf home kits is that they are unregulated, and may contain 250 times the legal amount of hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, some kits may contain mild acid, which can damage tooth enamel.
“Users risk chemical burns and painful mouth ulcers,” says Dr. Goolnik. “We are seeing more and more people coming in with damage caused by whitening kits.”
It is recommended that only a qualified dentist perform any kind of whitening procedure.
SOURCE: “Teeth-Whitening Kits That Cause Permanent Damage.” The Daily Mail (London, U.K.) 24 Oct, 2006
Trend Is Toward a More Natural Shade of White
The blindingly white “L.A. Power Smile” is on its way out, according to Dr. Andrea Ubhi of Liverpool, U.K. According to Dr. Ubhi, “Many clients looking for a brighter smile are now requesting a more natural shade of white.”
The trend is now coming from New York celebrities. “Think Uma Thurman or Scarlet Johansson. We're seeing increasing demand from people in the UK wanting to achieve that look,” Dr. Ubhi adds.
Patients are reminded that whether you’re going for LA razzle-dazzle or NYC natural, whiter teeth start in the bathroom with proper regular brushing and flossing.
SOURCE: "Retail Therapy/lifestyle: The Perfect Smile; Laura Davis Discovers What It Takes to Have Teeth like the Stars," Daily Post (Liverpool, U.K.) 10 Aug. 2006
Look More Intelligent and Successful With a New Smile
A study conducted by Beall Research & Training indicates that a beautiful smile can cause one to be perceived as more intelligent and more successful as well as happier, more sensitive, wealthier, more interesting and sexier.
In the study, 528 individuals selected at random were shown photographs of eight different people – four before and four after undergoing cosmetic dental procedures. The subjects were not told that any dental procedures had taken place, but were asked to make “snap judgments,” rating the photos on a scale of one to ten on the aforementioned characteristics.
According to Dr. Marty Zase, President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, “We’ve been telling people that a beautiful smile was a great investment in their futures. Now we have independent evidence.”
SOURCE: AACD Press Release
