English 
No one questions the psychological and social benefits of aesthetical treatment but there are certain practices that, although they may produce a sensation of happiness in those who have it performed, can be bad for their health.
Of course, no one will go unnoticed if they separate their incisors, puts golden dental protectors on with jewels, puts piercings or sharpen their teeth to look like a vampire.
But these current trends can be damaging for chewing, affect the gums and the teeth’s health, as well as opening the door for dental cavities and bacteria.
Among these damaging “beauty trends”, every time more and more common, there are:
- Interdental Gap: It’s about leaving space between the teeth. It’s done through traditional dental techniques used for correcting the teeth’s position, but reversed. In order to do it, the filed method is used to reduce the width of the teeth. It’s also known as diastem and it isn’t advisable for two main reasons: it decreases the biting capacity and benefits the accumulation of bacteria; severely affecting the jaw bones and causing eating (hearing)problems.
- Grillz: These are mouthguards with diamonds and gold attached. They are fixed to the teeth if a standard cover is used. Without the right measurements; it can force the teeth’s position and cause problems in the jaw. Though not recommended, there will be no bigger problems if they’re installed by a specialized dentist.
- Vampire fangs: This trend consists in shaping the fangs to look like a vampire’s. They are made through dental veneers, having the teeth filed or orthodontics.
- Yaeva: They alteration of the teeth is the aim of this trend, but towards a bad position. It consists of crooking the teeth, so the face will have a more childish appearance. Like dental gaps and diastems, it can lead to dental diseases and difficulties in cleaning the teeth.
- Oral piercings: Without adequate hygiene, they can cause infections. They can also affect chewing and swallowing, causing damage to the gums. The piercings’ friction can wear away the dental varnish or cause small breakings in the pulp cavity, which causes severe pain.
- Bleachorexia: It’s the obsession for having white teeth, for which the most diverse treatments are used, which can damage the varnish, the pulp, erode the mucus of the mouth and even cause abrasion in the gums.
No one questions the natural pursuit for beauty, but it doesn’t make sense to sacrifice wellbeing and health for it. It’s ideal to have healthy, aligned teeth; which apart from being pretty, allow for adequate chewing and cleaning.
In Dental Alfa Clinic we are specialized dentists with vast experience, backed up by leading technology. We want the best for you. Our modern and comfortable facilities are located 25 meters southwest from the crossing of the Unesco Liceo, Alfa Building, San Isidro de El General, Pérez Zeledón.
Don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re here to help you!
