Cosmetic dentistry is rapidly becoming more affordable for people across the world due to various factors, such as the growth of global wealth, the increase in dental facility numbers, and the emerging of affordable technologies and new dental materials.
These procedures are not critically necessary, such as restorative therapies and other types of dental disease treatment; however, they have a strong psychological impact.
Recently, a team of Indian researchers conducted a survey, trying to reveal how exactly restorative dentistry changes a patient’s self-esteem.
What did scientists find?
Researchers surveyed 200 participants aged 18 to 60 who underwent the cosmetic procedure within the past year, including teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and orthodontic treatment.
Total self-esteem score raised to 35%, and changes in specific measurements of quality of life include:
- Psychological discomfort decreased by over 56%.
- Social disability – more than 57%.
- Functional limitations – 54%.
Among the presented cosmetic procedures, scientists found that veneers and dental implants have the highest impact on patients self-esteem. In general, most participants (89%) expressed high satisfaction with cosmetic procedures.
Thus, scientists highlighted that cosmetic dentistry improves not only patients oral health but significantly changes their psychological quality of life.
