New figures suggest that increasing numbers of people are opting for cosmetic treatments in a bid to get the perfect smile, but it could come at a price.
In 2014, the UK’s top-earning private dentists recorded a collective turnover of nearly £1billion– up by 22 per cent on 2010’s figures – with treatments such as ‘smile analyses’ and sonic polishing proving most popular, researchers said.
Analysis by financial provider LDF suggests the increase could be because Britons are paying thousands of pounds for private treatment, with some private dentists even renaming their surgeries as ‘spas,’ offering foot massages, facials and aromatherapy alongside standard dentistry.
Separate figures collated by the British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry estimate that the number of people seeking treatments such as the increasingly popular ‘smile analyses’ is increasing by 40% a year.
Experts believe the reason behind the rise could be that many people are becoming increasingly image-conscious, believing that nice teeth are critical to success.
But cosmetic dentistry procedures carry risks and it is vital that people fully understand these before opting for the procedures, as dental negligence is a very real and serious problem.
LDF’s Peter Alderson said: “British people have taken to cosmetic dentistry in a big way, and that’s reflected in rising incomes for top dentists.
“Increasing numbers of dental patients are starting to explore cosmetic treatments like laser whitening, and are willing to pay significant amounts of money for cutting-edge services, especially if they are delivered in a more exclusive, private clinic-style environment.”
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