When it comes to big decisions, we want to be pretty sure – if not certain – that the choice we make is the right one. Whether that’s something temporary, like what to order off a menu, or longer lasting, like moving abroad, being as informed as possible guides us to the right endpoint.
This is especially true for cosmetic dental treatments. A smile is an essential way of communicating that also makes people feel better, as well as those around them.[i] But for that to happen a person must feel confident enough to smile in the first place. Patients with stained, decayed, misaligned or missing teeth are more likely to feel self-conscious when smiling[ii] and may be less likely to do so – a cosmetic dental treatment can fix this. But no patient should rush their decision, and dentists must be able to guide them to make the most ethical and long-lasting choice.
The right treatment
A patient may attend the dental practice looking to enhance their smile, but be unsure about the best option. For instance, misaligned teeth could be straightened with a traditional brace, or clear aligners, with or without tooth extraction. Ethical cosmetic dentistry means finding the treatment that will meet their demands in the most conservative way, and last the longest. This can mean fewer appointments, fewer repairs and less expenditure for the patient. Because the treatment will have a lasting impact on the patient’s life in how it boosts self-esteem, it should be assessed with the same consideration as something like buying a car or choosing a new job – it should take serious thought, over time.
To help, dentists can describe the different treatment options and identify the pros and cons of each – visual aids can improve understanding and retention. Whether that’s a leaflet on dental implants or a poster on aligners, handing over information for the patient to read in their own time may empower their decision-making and enhance their knowledge of the treatment stages and the post-surgery maintenance required for an optimal outcome. For a more immersive demonstration, videos or animations can detail the treatment process and improve consent, especially for any patients who may experience a language barrier. Having reliable translation tools is also a great asset, ensuring the maximum understanding for consent.
Quick fix versus long-lasting results
In a time as financially-strapped as now, it is unsurprising that patients consider going abroad for a cosmetic treatment. If they have received a comprehensive rundown of the best treatment options, they may then go away and research the cost of such treatments elsewhere. Those that have seen or heard from family and friends about the cost and aesthetic outcomes of dental tourism may find it an appealing and cheap quick fix, especially if focusing on the price and length of time needed for professional dental treatment in the UK.
Dentists must educate patients on avoiding this, though some patients may believe this is more to do with protecting business than it is the health of their teeth. By highlighting the health risks, dentists can get better illustrate the long-term drawbacks of foreign cosmetic dental treatments. These can include:
- Crowns being fitted as one connected bridge which can be harder to clean (increasing the risk of gingival disease)
- Invasive preparation of natural, healthy teeth that cannot be restored and may lead to root canal treatment and tooth fracture
- Difficulties in solving any complications – UK dentists may be cautious about taking on overseas cases due to liability
If any issues emerge after the treatment, the patient may end up paying more to travel and have it fixed. A UK-based cosmetic dentist, with a proven record for ethical treatments, can help patients see beyond simply the price tag and better protect the health and finances of the patient in the long term – at a much lower risk.
A high standard of ethics
How dentists deliver information to their patients may vary from practice to practice, but joining the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) helps unify the workforce through unmissable educational and networking opportunities, each designed to enhance the way cosmetic dental treatments are delivered, ensuring the highest ethical standards. This includes access to mentoring and career support from the Board of Directors, helping dentists navigate both clinical and non-clinical challenges, especially around consent and ethics.
The more informed a patient is, be that regarding the cosmetic dental treatments available or the risks of those offered abroad, the safer and more predictable their treatment is likely to be. Dentists can also be more confident knowing that patient understanding and consent is at an optimal level, leading to better results for all.
For further information and enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry visit www.bacd.com
Author: Dr. Carol Somerville President of BACD
[i] Home. (n.d.). When you’re smiling, the whole world really does smile with you. [online] Available at: https://www.unisa.edu.au/Media-Centre/Releases/2020/when-youre-smiling-the-whole-world-really-does-smile-with-you/.
[ii] Ellakany, P., Fouda, S.M., Alghamdi, M. and Bakhurji, E. (2021). Factors affecting dental self-confidence and satisfaction with dental appearance among adolescents in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study. BMC Oral Health, 21(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-021-01509-z.
