Social media has come to influence every part of our lives. All over the globe, people of every age have become indelibly intertwined with TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and, of course, Facebook. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling “less than” after spending time scrolling through your streams, you’re far from alone. It’s a common phenomenon that we’ll begin having a negative impression of ourselves after making comparisons to those we see online. Whether by accident or design, social media thrives on these comparisons. This habit has led to a growing occurrence of a condition known as smile dysmorphia and growing demand for cosmetic dentistry due to selfie-culture.
Changing Beauty Standards And Snapchat Dysmorphia
There’s a particularly high occurrence of dysmorphia among those who are vulnerable to impressions. This situation is particularly true of the latest generation of teenagers. These individuals have never known a world without the internet. While their interactions online can be positive and character-building, they certainly don’t all fall in this category. Many individuals experience a serious negative impact on their body images through social media.
The rise of the internet has also seen an ongoing changing of beauty standards. With applications such as FaceTune and Snapchat providing filters for their images, new beauty standards are emerging. “Beauty Perfection” isn’t a new concept; it’s been around for ages. However, it’s been relegated to celebrities and fashion models in most cases. These artificial beauty standards have always had an eroding effect on self-image. With the tools to alter photos now being in the hands of the masses, this situation has only gotten more serious.
This new phenomenon, known as Snapchat Dysmorphia, has spread at an unprecedented rate. This phenomenon has led thousands to find their way to cosmetic dentists and plastic surgeons at an alarming speed. The goal is to appear like the filtered images they create. This goal can be a serious concern with the long-known intertwining of appearance and self-esteem.
A new phenomenon, Snapchat Dysmorphia, is occurring at an alarming speed. Selfies and photo filter apps drive people to plastic surgeons and cosmetic dentists. Patients are seeking procedures to appear like the filtered versions of themselves. This ambition has made it necessary for dentists to evaluate those seeking cosmetic dentistry to ensure their goals and expectations are healthy and realistic. Some of the most frequently sought after cosmetic treatments include:
- Tooth Whitening – You can achieve this treatment with over-the-counter or more powerful in-office treatments.
- Gingival Contouring – This process changes the physical appearance of the gums. This process typically uses lasers and surgical techniques to achieve the desired results.
- Enamel Contouring – By removing small amounts of dental enamel, your dentist can change the teeth’ shape, surface, and length.
- Microabrasion – This process is similar to enamel contouring in that it removes dental enamel. However, only a few tenths of a millimeter are removed to eliminate superficial discoloration.
These procedures are the most commonly sought after and are generally safe.
Consult Your Dentist About Your Cosmetic Concerns
Smile dysmorphia can lead to serious consequences for the patient. Be sure to consult with your dentist about your cosmetic concerns. Together you can determine if your goals are achievable. In some cases, they may refer you to a mental health counselor to help address self-esteem concerns. Call today to get your consultation and see what we can do for you!
