Visiting the dentist is something that everyone should do at least once a year. But that can be difficult for approximately 36% of the population who live with the fear of dentists or odontophobia. While it can be hard to overcome this phobia, it’s important that everyone try.
However, the global pandemic obviously caused a dip in people visiting their dentist for any type of procedure. What you may not realize is that the current situation also brought about the ‘Zoom boom’.
It’s simply an acknowledgment that people have been spending more time video conferencing and have focused more attention on their smiles. So, it’s natural for a lot of people to want to improve their teeth.
Dentists do much more than fill teeth and look after your oral health. Good dentists know that oral health and overall health are connected. They also know that cosmetic dentistry can enhance the appearance of your smile and that this has been shown to boost confidence.
What Counts As Cosmetic Dentistry?
Any procedure that is designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth falls under cosmetic dentistry. Having a tooth implanted, getting veneers, or even having a brace fitted can all count as cosmetic procedures as they are designed to improve the appearance of your smile.
However, some cosmetic dentistry procedures can fall into other categories. For instance, having a tooth implant can be said to be simply a cosmetic procedure, but, it can also fall under dental surgery. A brace on the other hand falls under orthodontics since it also fixes teeth alignment and occlusion.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the cosmetic dentistry trends that will be popular in 2022.
Adult Braces and Aligners
These treatments, whether traditional metal on the teeth or the more modern clear aligner approach (such as Invisalign), have become very popular in recent years. This trend is also likely to continue throughout 2022.
The point of adult braces and aligners is to realign your teeth and help create the perfect smile. Due to the Zoom boom, people are more aware than ever of how important having a great smile is. These orthodontic and cosmetic treatments can help make this happen.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is another trend that has been popular in recent years, aided by the ever-present Hollywood smile. This trend shows no sign of abating and there is likely to be an increase in the number of people wanting perfectly white teeth.
Of course, it is important that this process is done properly by a qualified dentist to ensure you get the best possible results.
Bonding
Bonding is the third part of braces and whitening, effectively aligning your smile and improving the color. The bonding also adds small amounts of material to ensure your teeth have the perfect size and shape.
The pandemic has highlighted how important a smile is and that will encourage increased interest in these traditional cosmetic procedures.
Veneers
Veneers have risen in popularity due to the increased use of this cosmetic dentistry practice by celebrities. This trend is set to continue in 2022.
A cosmetic dentist may recommend veneers to anyone with stained teeth where whitening is not having an effect. Veneers are slim pieces of porcelain or resin that instantly transform teeth to make them look perfect. It’s normal for veneers to last 10-15 years.
It is worth noting that the latest veneers are thinner than previous versions and less noticeable on your teeth, making them a better and likely a more popular choice than before.
3D Printing
3D printers are becoming more commonplace in many industries and cosmetic dentistry is no different. They will be a popular option in 2022, allowing cosmetic dentists to produce dentures, teeth aligners, dental crown structures, and even models of a patient’s mouth before and after a procedure.
3D printers will be increasingly popular as their abilities improve. It is likely that they will help with temporary restorations, wax castings, and even making some of the hardware for implants. The fact that the 3D printer can be in the dentist’s office and printing takes a short amount of time will enable a dentist to complete cosmetic procedures faster.
Use of Digital Technology
Another useful advancement in technology is the ability to upload scans and almost instantly produce images of what the finished result will look like. It’s important to note that these images are personalized. They will reflect the result for a specific individual and can help patients feel comfortable with a procedure and the outcome.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery sounds dramatic. But one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry trends in recent years is to remove a small amount of the gums to help create a great smile that doesn’t display too many gums. The cost of the laser is reducing and its accuracy is improving, making it highly likely to be an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in 2022.
Natural Products
As people become increasingly aware of the damage being done to the planet, there has been a surge in interest in natural and sustainable products. This drive to take better care of the planet will continue through 2022 and result in more patients looking at natural care products, such as herbal toothpaste and bamboo toothbrushes.
The same will apply to the substances used in cosmetic dental procedures. Patients who want natural solutions and cosmetic dentistry can adapt accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Based on our current situation, an increase in the number of people getting cosmetic dental procedures throughout the year can be projected. This can be attributed to a combination of the following factors:
- Being unable to visit the dentist during the pandemic;
- A heightened awareness of the importance of your smile; and,
- Increased awareness of how much the dentist can do to give you that perfect smile.
It’s worth noting that the boost in patient numbers will be aided by increased use of virtual visits which are often easier to conduct and just as beneficial. In fact, this approach is likely to become more popular as it will be easier for people to look after their teeth and oral health properly.
The boom of teleconferencing will make it easier for dentists to discuss treatment plans and suggest cosmetic dentistry options to a larger number of people.
Also Read:
7 Methods to Achieve That Perfect Smile
Dental Veneers | All You Need to Know About | Complete Guide
Five Ways To Improve Your Smile
Achieving the Perfect Smile – Fixing Your Teeth Can Fix Your Face Too?
