Dentists are putting a surge in demand for cosmetic treatments down to a phenomenon they are branding ‘Zoom teeth.’ Video calling technology emerged as the main method for office workers staying in touch during the Covid pandemic, when they were regularly faced with a screen full of colleagues alongside their own image.
Dr Azad Eyrumlu, co-founder of private dental clinic Banning Dental Group, says the shift to remote working – and remote learning for students – has increased demand for people wanting a new smile. He said: “Whether it’s teeth whitening, straightening or restorations, cosmetic dentistry is increasingly popular.
“We have definitely noticed a sharp rise in people coming to us for treatments as a result of spending lots of their days in front of a webcam.”
A healthy smile is often one of the most noticeable aspects of someone’s image, and when you are appearing on a screen numerous times every day any issues with teeth can become exacerbated. But there are plenty of options for getting the grin you are after – including professional cleaning, whitening, covering damaged teeth and replacing lost teeth.
Maintaining regular dental check-ups are also key to maintaining overall dental health. Dr Eyrumlu added: “There are many cases when patients will come to us and be nervous or anxious about smiling and laughing in front of other people because they are ashamed of their smile.
“It’s really sad to see people experiencing this lack of confidence, so giving them a new smile really can change their lives.”
Dr Eyrumlu explained that while he is seeing an influx of both genders booking cosmetic dental appointments, women aged 30-35 are the most frequent patients. “Composite bonding, a process where tooth-like dental resin is bonded to the tooth to provide cosmetic correction, has been the most popular procedure,” he said.
Influencer Molly-Mae Hague had composite bonding when she was 19 years old. At the time she was a full-time YouTuber, constantly on camera and seeing herself on a laptop screen. The Love Island star has since had her composite bonds removed in a bid to promote a more natural appearance.
