Mothers head queue for cosmetic dentistry

Published on 28/05/2006 00:24

MIDDLE-CLASS mothers are fuelling a surge in the number of Scots having their smiles improved with cosmetic dentistry, it has emerged.

The British Association of Cosmetic Dentists has reported Scots are rejecting the stereotype of having bad teeth by getting aesthetic procedures such as teeth whitening and straightening.

They claim there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people getting their teeth fixed with expensive veneers, porcelain caps for straightening, and teeth whitening.

And they say that while a few years ago cosmetic dental work was the preserve of businessmen looking to make a good impression in America, it is now the "yummy mummies" who are going for cosmetic dentistry.

Elaine Halley, vice-president of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentists, said television makeover shows had helped to make people realise they could do something about their teeth.

At her dental surgery in Perth she now sees up to four patients for teeth whitening and three for veneer makeovers each week.

Halley said: "About five years ago the only people who were interested in getting their teeth whitened were businessmen working in America. Now with the makeover TV programmes, it has become far more acceptable.

"We are now seeing a lot of the yummy mummies who are approaching their 40s and are deciding to have their teeth fixed. Even braces are not such a big deal anymore and it has become almost trendy for adults to have them."

Dr Ambi Jeyabalan, of The Dental Practice in Glasgow, said: "Tom Cruise has publicly been seen wearing a brace and Simon Cowell had veneers done and even people working on the BBC are having their teeth whitened."

Dr Mike Knight, who runs the Smile Cosmetic Dentistry practice in Dundee, added that 76% of his patients are now women, mostly aged between 30 and 40.

Typically it costs around 600 to have teeth whitening done in a practice but dentists can also provide home whitening kits for just over 100. Veneers can cost between 500 and 700 per tooth.

Perth mother of two Gail Dowie, 37, has spent more than 5,000 getting veneers put onto her teeth to improve her smile.

She said: "My youngest daughter is three and I decided it was time to spend a bit of time and money looking after myself. I didn't want to be one of those mothers that their children are embarrassed by the way they look.

"I am very image conscious and have also had some botox injections and have a personal trainer. But having my teeth veneered has made a huge difference. It may seem like a lot of money but it has made me feel more confident."