Is Vanity the Reason for the Popularity of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Mar 17th, 2010 by Jean Dale
Doesn’t it seem that half the people we know, if not more, have used cosmetic dentistry to improve their appearance? Is it vanity that moves people to spend the time and money to get a “new smile”? Los Angeles cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, works from his Beverly Hills dentist office and has had plenty of experience with why people elect cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Maddahi has helped thousands of patients to improve their looks by creating new smiles for them. He answers the question. “In the 90’s a new standard for professional and personal appearance began to emerge. Because of the ease and affordability of cosmetic dental work, an unsightly smile is considered offensive in many cases.”
When a person arrives for a personal or professional meeting, it is assumed they will want to make a positive impression with the people they meet. If that person comes to the meeting smelling badly, wearing ripped or grimy clothes, or with dirt on their face and hands, a bad impression would be made.
A survey conducted by the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry found that subsequent to a smile makeover from a cosmetic dentist, it is assumed that the patient has a better business persona. It is also found that a person appears more attractive and is assumed to be more popular as well.
This survey showed people before and after photos of patients who had cosmetic dental work done. The survey got definitive responses to what was shown. People thought the after-photos were of people who were more intelligent, wealthy and successful in their careers. (As a note, none of the before pictures had missing or rotten teeth or other bad dental health problems.)
Dr. Maddahi explains his experience. “Why do people come to me for cosmetic dentistry? Many have recently had a photo taken or have looked in the mirror and their teeth look bad. Others realize that they just don’t smile in order to hide their teeth, or they find themselves putting their hand in front of their mouth. Some even restrict social activities because they feel their teeth look bad and are a bad reflection on them.”
“Some are inspired by what they see in friends and family, or on television, of those who have work done”. Dr. Maddahi continues, “They may see a makeover show. They often see that another person had even worse teeth before, and they see they can be helped.”
He has also found, “The other thing is that sometimes my new patients have been putting off a visit to the dentist for several years. They have an emergency and once they are here, they come to understand that dentistry has changed, and that we can help them without any trauma that has been associated with dentistry. Then they elect to take care of all their dental needs.”
Dr. Maddahi demonstrates a perfect marriage of artistry and skill with the results obtained on his patients. This consummate professional has a very strong command of his tools and technique, such that he can focus solely on the application of his skills to a genuinely beautiful result.
Why cosmetic dentistry? Because it is a part of the new professional and personal standard expected of successful and well-meaning individuals. Los Angeles cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, offers a free initial consultation in his Beverly Hills dentist office.
