The downfall of the ‘Hollywood smile’. Chris McConnell considers the rise of the natural approach to smile beautification.
The notion that attractiveness can dictate a person’s popularity and success in life has been well-hypothesised. It comes as no surprise, then, that the demand for cosmetic dentistry has risen significantly in recent years.
Despite the influences of contrived social media content, celebrity culture and clever brand marketing, there is a rising trend of patients seeking natural, non-invasive enhancements. While past beauty trends saw a focus on all-too apparent changes, such as larger lips, heavier make-up and whiter, straighter teeth, a new trend is emerging whereby individuals are embracing a more natural approach to beauty.
While cosmetic dentistry may conjure images of brick-like veneers and shockingly-white teeth, the reality nowadays is much different. More and more patients are seeking treatments that quietly enhance their natural features.
The psychology behind attraction
Whether we mean to or not, it’s near-impossible to avoid forming an opinion of someone based on their appearance. However, this is not always negative. Gibson’s theory of object perception suggests that perception is evolutionary and necessary for the survival of our ancestors. We can elicit information about another person through our physical perception of them, and alter our social interactions accordingly – the face of a young child may draw a gentle and protective approach, whereas an angry face may make us on edge and defensive.
On the other hand, the emphasis on looks certainly has its drawbacks. Known as ‘attractive bias’, or ‘lookism’, this is the phenomenon whereby those who are attractive are perceived more positively than those who are not. This can put those who are perceived as unattractive at a disadvantage, whether in social situations, dating or even applying for a job. This may link to the theory that the survival of our ancestors’ offspring depended on the type of mate they chose. Charles Darwin theorised that females chose their male partners consciously, in order to pick the one with the best genes for healthy offspring.
Throughout history, our views on attractiveness have changed dramatically. Within dentistry, too, we see trends rise and fall, but we’re currently seeing an increasing number of patients desiring outcomes that are more inconspicuous.
The power of a smile
Teeth are important for everyday functions, from speaking to mastication. But the teeth also play a role in perceived attractiveness. A study noted that because teeth bear the brunt of environmental and traumatic events, ageing and disease, they are therefore a source of information about the individual. Researchers digitally manipulated tooth spacing and colour on images of people smiling, and found that this influenced the ratings of attractiveness of the individual male and female faces. Various external forces, such as celebrity culture and social media, have certainly pushed the image that straighter, whiter teeth equal not just enhanced attractiveness, but also health. Fortunately, the focus seems to be slowly moving away from ‘Hollywood smiles’ and many individuals are now embracing their imperfections. Indeed, in Japan ‘double-tooth’ was a trend that saw women embracing their overlapping upper canines that gave them a fang-like appearance. Many even underwent dental procedures to achieve the look, as it was believed that it enhanced the person’s attractiveness. In the UK, models such as Kate Moss helped to set the standard of accepting the unique quirks of our smiles.
A person’s perception of themselves is important, and no one should have to change (or not change) their appearance to suit other people’s ideals of beauty – and thankfully, they don’t have to. Many cosmetic treatments, dubbed ‘tweakments’, allow individuals to undergo non-invasive procedures to make small, barely-there changes that enhance their natural appearance for improved confidence. Dentistry has likewise made advancements that allow patients to seek more discreet changes that meet their own personal desires. Of course, some patients will still want blindingly-bright, celebrity-straight teeth, but there is now much more choice for patients seeking a more natural change.
Satisfy the demand
The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) is dedicated to changing patients’ lives with exceptional, ethical cosmetic dentistry. Members of the BACD have access to outstanding training pathways and educational resources, helping them to nurture and grow their skills and confidence. There are plenty of networking opportunities, too, including the BACD Annual Conference, where members can socialise, learn and share ideas. By being part of this prestigious community, you can remain on the cutting edge of the field and better satisfy the demands of your patients.
As a dental professional, you’ll see many trends rise and fall over the years, including the current shift in focus from obvious changes to more discreet, natural ones. No matter your patients’ desires, by keeping abreast of these changes in the field, you’ll be better able to provide first-class care and deliver a smile that can transform a patient’s confidence.
For more information visit www.bacd.com
References available on request.