The average person in the UK spends hundreds of pounds each year on dental care.
In recent years, there has been a greater desire for a smile that not only feels healthy but looks good as well. This has led more people to consider treatments that improve the appearance of their smile.
But are the correct consumer choices being made?
There is a growing concern about the number of quick and cheap cosmetic solutions on the market. These are often found online and lead to people performing their own dental work at home.
This can be highly dangerous and could put your health at risk.
That’s why we have launched Safe Smiles – a charity campaign by the Oral Health Foundation that gives you unbiased, trusted and expert advice about cosmetic treatments.
Top tips for safe dentistry
When carried out correctly, cosmetic dentistry is extremely safe and can have many benefits.
We are here to help steer you in the right direction so that you can make informed and safe choices…
Seeing a dental professional
Would you book yourself in for laser eye surgery without asking an optician if it is suitable for you? Would you attempt to perform laser eye surgery on yourself?
For most people, the answer may sound a little like ‘no, that is far too dangerous, and I could end up with permanent problems. This is exactly the attitude you need when considering orthodontics.
Attempting orthodontic treatment at home or without professional supervision could put your smile at risk. The safest way to get orthodontic treatment will always be to see a qualified and registered professional.
When you think about orthodontic treatment, think ACE.
Accountability
One benefit of going to a professional dentist is all dental and orthodontic practices must be registered with, and inspected by, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and have these findings published online. This holds them accountable for their practice and their treatments.
Orthodontics falls within the legal definitio…
Introducing Safe Smiles – new campaign set to champion the benefits of safe dentistry
The Oral Health Foundation have announced plans for a new campaign to help people make safer choices when it comes to their dental treatment.
The charity campaign will stress the importance of having dental treatment in dental practices and the benefits of it being carried out by trained and registered professionals.
Safe Smiles is a dental industry response to concerns about the growth of direct-to-consumer alternatives, with the campaign’s organisers worried about more people performing treatments at home – potentially putting themselves in danger.
Research by the Oral Health Foundation reveals one-in-four (25%) UK households have opted for some form of DIY dentistry during the pandemic.
The nationwide study also shows over half (55%) of adults feel they have neglected their teeth during lockdown. Around one-in-seven (15%) admit to not brushing their teeth as much as before the pandemic. One-in-five (20%) are eating unhealthier foods, and more than one-in-…