The dental industry took a massive hit due to the pandemic and subsequent clinic closures. Patients weren’t allowed to visit for anything but emergency or vital appointments and with all the restrictions in place, it was a difficult process to get into a clinic. The restrictions have been eased for many months now, business seems to be returning to normal, and the industry is getting back on its feet.
According to a cosmetic dentist at Martindale Dental, appointments for cosmetic dentistry related treatments have risen dramatically since pandemic restrictions were loosened earlier in the year. Demand for treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, implants and even full-smile makeovers has increased when compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Since clinics across the country have reopened and vaccination rates have risen, it seems like people who were previously scared to visit the dentist have begun going again. Dental clinics aren’t alone, with hairdressers and beauty salons seeing their customers return in droves for appointments.
Cosmetic appointments at Ontario clinics have been on the rise for years, likely due to the social media boom and a growing trend towards beauty in society, but there has been a big influx of demand this year. Societal factors, coupled with the advancement of dental technology which makes treatments like teeth whitening much easier, have made upgrading a patients smile a simple and safe task. Something like teeth whitening is inexpensive too, and many patients are asking for it – so much so that teeth whitening appointments alone have increased some 40% on average across the country’s dental facilities.
One could argue that with everyone wearing masks in public, why would how nice your teeth look matter? One of the reasons that’s been speculated is that the increase in video meetings, especially for work, has prompted people to focus on their smiles more because it’s a major aspect of what others see and how they’re being judged. Regardless of the reason, it’s not very surprising that people are caring more for their smiles.
Companies like ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub, who manufacture teeth alignment devices have also seen the climb in popularity. The industry expects the boom to continue too.
Technologically, these types of procedures have become much easier and cheaper for patients, and that has a direct correlation on adoption. Then as the masks come off, which is hopefully sooner rather than later, there will be even more interest from the public. Would you want to be the only person in your social circle who doesn’t have a bright white smile? Especially if all it took was a quick appointment with your dentist? The snowball could continue to grow as more and more people head to their dentist for cosmetic treatments.
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