With aesthetics on the rise, Steve Brown, of J&S Davis, explores how dentists can optimise restoration longevity while maintaining the desired look.
In many areas of dentistry, the goal for the clinician is to achieve the perfect blend of strength and beauty. This is especially true of restorative procedures that are sought either to rectify damage caused by trauma or enhance small imperfections.
Patients might be more motivated by improvement of their smile aesthetics. But they won’t be happy if their restoration requires repairing or replacing just a few weeks or months down the line.
There are various steps that dentists can take to optimise restoration longevity without compromising aesthetics.
Aesthetics – a double-edged sword
With the modern world putting so much emphasis on aesthetics, people of all ages and backgrounds can feel the pressure to meet certain standards or ideals. You don’t have to look very hard to find various stories, surveys and more highlighting the impact of social conformity for many individuals.
Mental health is a particularly hot topic right now and the pressure to look a certain way can cause significant psychological turmoil for anyone.
This is likely just one of the reasons that conditions like body dysmorphia are growing in the UK and around the globe. In England alone, it has been estimated that one in twenty girls aged 17 to 19 may suffer. Though it will be difficult to ever produce accurate figures due to the nature of the condition.
Of course, the desire to change one’s appearance is often much more positive. Many people simply look to make tweaks in order to boost their self-confidence and make them feel more comfortable in their own skin. Where the right motivations are in place, treatment can provide a massive enhancement to an individual’s quality of life.
Booming market
Indeed, many healthcare institutions have reported an increase in enquiries for cosmetic procedures since the pandemic began. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), for example, found a 70% increase in requests for virtual consultations for plastic surgical procedures during Covid.
Many patients intended to proceed with treatments once restrictions lifted. Similarly, the cosmetic dental market is booming in the UK and abroad with people looking to improve their smile aesthetics for that little extra boost.
It has been suggested that many individuals are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth. One survey found that 40% of respondents were unhappy with their teeth and 48% were planning to undergo cosmetic dental procedures in the future.
As this was pre pandemic, we can expect even more people to be considering similar procedures now that they’ve had time to scrutinise their appearance on-screen for so long!
Combining longevity
Though people are willing to invest in their appearance, they will expect the results achieved to last as well. This means balancing aesthetics with durability – as well as functionality, of course. When it comes to restorative dental solutions, modern materials facilitate results that combine aesthetics with longevity.
The clinician initially has to determine the most suitable type of restoration for each specific patient, which meets their expectations in terms of both aesthetics and longevity. For example, one study found that amalgam offered survival rates of up to 22.5 years, compared to 10 years for composite resins – but amalgam is not a good option for aesthetically-driven patients or those requiring an anterior restoration.
Further still, cement choice will influence treatment success too. There is a range of cement options on the market today, with each offering different benefits for different cases.
Resin cements, for example, are often advantageous for the level of strength that they afford. Plus, they are typically quick to cure and are available in tooth-coloured shades to boost treatment efficiency and aesthetics at the same time.
Panavia V5, manufactured by Kuraray and distributed by J&S Davis, is a fine example of such a cement. It delivers high bond strengths for all tooth structures in the self-cure mode, utilising the original MDP monomer to further ensure a bond that endures.
With dependable colour stability and an easy three-step application workflow, Panavia V5 provides an exception solution for every clinician looking to provide strong yet beautiful restorations.
A stunning combination
By using clinically proven products and techniques, clinicians can provide dental restorations that meet many patients’ desires and needs.
Though it is important that patients are seeking treatment for the right reasons, they will all appreciate solutions that look good, make them feel great and that last.
The right mix of strength and beauty is the winning combination that professionals are aiming for every time.
For more information on the industry-leading products available from J&S Davis, visit www.js-davis.co.uk, call 01438 747 344 or email [email protected]
