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Your dentist is a proud British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) member But what does this mean for you? What is the BACD?
The BACD is the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. It is a world-leading professional organisation that advocates for exceptional dentistry in the UK.
Members have access to ongoing education and training which gives the opportunity to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date with the latest developments in the profession. In doing so, they should be able to help you achieve and maintain a truly beautiful, functional and healthy smile.
How does this impact your appointments?
Whether you seek tooth whitening to improve the colour of your teeth, composite bonding or veneers, to enhance their shape or more comprehensive treatment like orthodontics or dental implants for a greater smile transformation, seeking out a BACD member dentist, should allow you to explore many options to improve your smile. Giving you confidence in your dental care.
As a BACD member, your dentist is among a professional group containing some of the most highly qualified and experienced cosmetic dentists in the UK, along with some accredited members too. These dentists are generally involved in setting the stage for cosmetic dentistry within the UK. More than this, the BACD as an academy champions ethical and minimally invasive treatment.
This holistic approach allows you to improve the look and function of your smile, with minimal discomfort, stress and expense. To find out more about what it means to see a BACD dentist, just ask our friendly team!
Social media – don’t let it ruin your smile
Many of us use social media to some degree. That could be scrolling for through Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Or watching videos on YouTube or TikTok. And most of us are guilty of spending too much time on social media.
It’s a great tool for keeping up to date with the news and staying in-touch with loved ones. It can even be used to earn an income. But, as you well know, it has downsides, too.
For instance, if you’re looking to improve your smile, social media may not be the best place to do your research. Why is this?
‘DIY’ dentistry
Over the past few years, there has been a growing craze in ‘DIY’ dentistry. People on social media have been using various at-home ‘hacks’ to alter their smiles. For dental professionals across the globe, these have been worrying trends.
Many videos of this kind went viral, showing various household items as alternatives to dental care. This included the use of rubber bands as ‘braces’ to close gaps between the teeth. Or even hydrogen peroxide mixed with water to whiten teeth. Another video showed a user filing their teeth with a nail file in an attempt to make them appear straighter. These users claimed that they received their desired results with minimal effort.
To many of you, these videos will seem shocking, and you’ll scroll on hurriedly. But there are many children and young adults who regularly use social media. They’re the prime audience for this kind of content.
‘DIY’ dentistry claims to offer a cheaper, quicker alternative to professional dental care. But these methods can be detrimental to your oral health, creating serious and long-lasting issues.
Misinformation
Social media is home to users commonly referred to as ‘influencers’. They rack up a significant online audience and often work with brands to promote a range of products. Sometimes they receive money for this, or have gifts sent to them in return for ‘unbiased’ feedback.
Depending on their content, certain influencers may promote health, fitness or lifestyle brands. This is not commonly accompanied with input from a professional. This can cause misinformation to spread. Once such example was when Kim Kardashian promoted appetite suppressant lollipops. This sparked intense backlash. When it comes to dental products or advice, it’s important to always take recommendations from a dental professional.
Nowadays, many dental professionals use social media for professional purposes. They share information, advice and guidance in a fun and accessible way. If you do use social media to gain oral health information, consider following them for more reliable and safer recommendations.
Be safe on social media
Whether you use social media yourself, or have family members who do, it’s vital to exercise caution when it comes to any kind of health advice.
If you are ever looking to make changes to your smile, but don’t know where to start, our dentists are members of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD). This means that they have the expertise to give you all the help you need to get you on the path to a new smile. BACD dentists are provided with the resources to continually refresh and update their skills. So, they only ever offer you support that is up-to-date, safe and ethical.
To find out more, get in touch with the practice team today!
Veneers:
Are dental veneers the right choice for you?
In recent years, dental veneers have become a popular option for people who are looking to totally transform their smile. But what are dental veneers and are they the right option for you?
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells that are attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can be made from either porcelain or composite resin and are bonded permanently to the teeth for a long-lasting aesthetic transformation.
What are the benefits of dental veneers?
Dental veneers can be used to enhance the appearance of your smile. Veneers are often chosen for:
Covering chipped or broken teeth
Masking severely discoloured teeth or creating a more uniform smile colour where tooth whitening won’t be effective
Changing the appearance of small teeth for a better smile profile
Evening out pointed or unusually shaped teeth
Filling in gaps in the smile
As dental veneers are so versatile, they are a fantastic option for many people who want to transform their smile for the long-term. Plus, as the treatment is quick and efficient, you can change your smile in just a couple of visits to your dentist!
How long do dental veneers last?
The longevity of dental veneers depends heavily on how well they are maintained and the material they are made of. The average lifespan for dental veneers is around 10 years. Composite resin veneers are less hardy and tend to need replacement in 4-5 years. Porcelain or ceramic veneers are usually more durable and can last decades if carefully looked after!
Behaviours that can damage veneers include eating very hard foods (for example, crunching ice between your teeth!), smoking and using your teeth to open packaging or bottles. Dental veneers are also compromised if your oral hygiene is poor, so it’s vital to maintain them as you would your natural teeth!
What happens to my natural teeth?
Many people mistakenly believe that veneers require teeth to be shaved down into pegs, however this isn’t always the case. Veneers are typically only 1mm thick, meaning that only minimal tooth surface (around 0.5mm or less) needs to be removed before their placement. As such, these ‘minimal-preparation’ veneers damage your natural teeth as little as possible.
Are veneers the right option for you?
Dental veneers are just one cosmetic dental option available, so be sure to speak to your dentist! Our dentists are members of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), meaning they are committed to always providing an outstanding standard of treatment. Part of this is ensuring that when you choose to have dental veneers, our dentists preserve the maximum amount of your natural teeth, helping to support the ongoing health of your smile.
If you’d like to find out more, book an appointment with the team today!
For further enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, visit www.bacd.com