Cosmetic work becoming increasingly acceptable and in certain cultures, expected

Cosmetic work becoming increasingly acceptable and in certain cultures, expected
  • Spending by Latina consumers on personal care products grew by 40%, 3x faster than non-Latinas;
  • Number of Hispanics opting for plastic surgery in the U.S. rose by 19% in 2009 — faster than any other ethnic group. (1)

 

Celebration of Latina beauty is not new – Brazil is often lauded for its Victoria’s Secret Angels – but per Dr. John Moore, DDS, principal of Cosmetic Dental Associates (CDA), the quest to be perfect now extends to having a beautiful smile.

 

“People want a perfect smile for many reasons, including boosting self-confidence and striving for that glowing, radiant smile seen on many celebrities.” – Dr. Moore

 

But there’s a RISK. Botched cosmetic dentistry is rising:

 

  • Correction of botched work increased up to 40% since 2004;
    • $16 billion spent correcting botched work in 2016, up from $10B.

 

Dr. Moore estimates the number is likely closer to $20 billion. (2)

 

The Botox trend of the early 2000s found that patients sometimes pursue beauty from less expensive, alternative providers not adequately trained: 84% of people with complications from permanent dermal fillers required corrective surgery or were deemed untreatable due to the damage caused (3).

 

For Latin Americans, the problem is even more pervasive: in Colombia, it’s estimated that up to 30% of cosmetic work is performed by doctors without proper training or performed in unauthorized clinics by non-medical personnel.

 

To avoid botched cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Moore ( an expert in this field) warns patients to vet their cosmetic dentist carefully:

 

  • Ask for pictures and videos. If the doctor has none to share, it’s likely they haven’t had good results.
  • Visit the dentist in person. Check out the facility and see that it meets your standards.
  • Ask all kinds of pertinent questions that show you will get the result you want, that all concerns most important to you are addressed.

 

  1. Costantini, Cristina. “The Latina Beauty Obsession.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 01 Dec. 2011. Web.
  2. Moore Jr, DDS John. “Today’s Dentists Must Be Able to Correct Botched Cosmetic Dentistry.” Dentistry Today. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 June 2017.
  3. “Two Out of Three Surgeons Seeing Botched Filler Ops.” Baaps.org.uk. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, 24 Nov. 2012. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.
  4. Beauvoir, Charlotte De. “Quest For Beauty In Colombia Sometimes Ends In Tragedy.” NPR. N.p., 07 May 2017. Web. 19 July 2017.

 

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