Over the last decade, dentistry has been playing catch up with its complexion counterpart. Much like the boom in facial tweakments that will account for a market valuation of £11.7 billion by 2026, non-invasive and preventative procedures have been taking the dental industry by storm. To find out more about the trends to sink your teeth into, Vogue spoke to leading London dentist, Brandon Nejati.
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A prevention mindset
Although it is perhaps inevitable that the dental industry is now on a par with the kind of advancements in the beauty, health and personal care industries (according to a report by Cetas Healthcare, minimally invasive procedures now account for 40 per cent of treatments) Nejati believes the Covid-19 pandemic had a large part to play. “We’ve definitely seen a trend of people being more aware of dental health as general health,” he says. “It was heading that way already but the pandemic definitely accelerated it. Patients are more vigilant about dental care and want to promptly go ahead with recommended treatments, rather than putting them on hold. The post-pandemic NHS backlog has also prompted more people to look to private dentistry as they seek to prioritise their oral health.”
With more people recognising dental health as an integral part of overall health – issues in the mouth can be an early indicator of serious chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes – it’s inevitable that a preventative approach is more prevalent, which can only be a good thing for patients as well as practitioners. “This departure from the conventional practice of addressing only late-stage diseases marks a shift in making dentistry less unpleasant and even intimidating for many individuals,” adds Nejati. Despite this progress, there is more to be done, especially when it comes to educating the next generation of dentist-goers. According to research by YouGov, only 29 per cent of schools in the UK teach pupils the importance of oral hygiene, while a study by SimplyHealth revealed that 26 per cent of parents surveyed said their child had been diagnosed with tooth decay.
Digital meets artistry
Technological developments are beginning to transform dentistry, with AI and 3D printing increasingly having an impact on all stages of treatment, from diagnostics and planning to execution. “With the help of AI we can detect inflammation, imbalances in the bite and calluses, as well as find out where the discrepancies are, and know where the asymmetry is. It’s a useful tool for improving and enhancing the dentition,” says Nejati. But according to experts, the best way to get the most natural results is to combine these technological advancements with a hands-on, artistic approach. “Having all the parameters already marked by AI and digital scans offers a great support structure,” he says. “But AI hasn’t yet been able to replace the craftsmanship of a human being. Top ceramicists [for porcelain veneers] still hand layer everything for example. Comparing AI to the human touch is a bit like comparing a machine-woven carpet to a hand-woven Persian carpet or fast fashion to couture. The quality doesn’t compare.” A prime example of this blended approach can be seen in Nejati’s own Belgravia clinic. Rather than shaving teeth down to stumps for porcelain veneers, as is conventional, the patient’s own teeth are enhanced through a series of scans and mock up wax models to create a completely customised, layered 3D model of each tooth. These are then sent away to a ceramicist who painstakingly replicates the layers in porcelain. “This [kind of approach] takes away the scariness of veneers and keeps the patient feeling like they’re in control, because they can see exactly what they’re going to get from the start,” he adds.
The new natural
Taking an anti-Hollywood stance might not feel very neighbourly, but when it comes to how Brits want their teeth to look, a blindingly white American smile is out in lieu of something less fake and perfected. “We’ve noticed a significant shift towards a more natural look instead of the traditional Hollywood smile,” agrees Nejati, who puts the trend down in part to a wider social movement that shuns showing off. “Previously, having visibly treated and veneered teeth might have been a status symbol, but now many people prefer an elegantly white look that appears more natural.” In keeping with broader shifts in facial and body aesthetics and cosmetic medicine, this new demand means people are opting for less invasive treatments and fewer surgical interventions in their quest for a fresher smile. “Where we are heading now is less about standing out and more about enhancement, and going from cosmetic to aesthetic in order to emulate and enhance nature.” In reality that means highlighting rather than hiding imperfections like lack of uniformity or subtle gaps, and keeping the colour of your teeth roughly in step with the whites of your eyes.
An anti-ageing approach
Although the term “anti-ageing” may be whispered rather than shouted about in beauty circles, in dentistry, an anti-ageing approach is a natural part of dentistry’s modern evolution. As well as helping to preserve the longevity of your teeth so that their health lasts into old age – fixing issues such as discolouration and tooth movement – anti-ageing dentistry is as much about reinvigorating your smile and making your face appear refreshed and more youthful. As well as helping to soften wrinkles around the mouth, the right kind of oral rejuvenation can improve lip fullness, offer more cheek support and enhance overall facial structure. Depending on what your issue is, options available include everything from teeth whitening and Botox to porcelain veneers and composite bonding. Nejati’s own Micro Layering treatment is an organic take on bonding; rather than simply attaching the material to teeth, each tooth is instead hand sculpted, shaded and layered with a porcelain-infused nano composite to mimic natural teeth, seal cracks and balance the bite.