Stokie dentist to the stars reveals most requested celebrity smile
He said having the perfect grin is now seen as a "status symbol" and more younger people than ever are after work thanks to seeing the work done on others on TikTok and Instagram.
"Clients come to me with a reference picture from a famous person - usually an influencer - like you'd do at the hairdresser," said the dentist. Margot Robbie is the most popular right now because in a dentist's view, she has the perfect smile.
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"Her smile fits her face well with its beautiful shape and natural characteristics. Her teeth follow her lower lip perfectly, and she has a tall buccal corridor smile - where a noticeable space exists between the sides of the upper teeth and corners of the mouth. Cheryl Cole is a close second."
He says people in their 20s are seeking dental procedures from the rise of influencers and popular programmes like Love Island.
Dr Kal added: "The advent of TikTok and Instagram has resulted in younger people wanting to have work done to their teeth. Before, it was Hollywood veneers that were popular among older people, as they typically had more disposable income.
"Now people in their teens and 20s are wanting work done to get the perfect 'Instagramable' grin."
Asked how to get "instant results" and a whiter smile, he recommends using an interdental toothbrush - a small, thin brush used to clean between teeth and along the gumline, where a regular toothbrush can't reach. They are available for around £4 from supermarkets.
"For instant results but without a bid price tag, I recommend using an interdental toothbrush after regular brushing," he said. "They clean where routine brushing misses, meaning better gum health and a whiter smile I can immediately tell if a patient uses them by a glance at their teeth."
With a practice in Stone and Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and soon to be Harrods, London, Dr Kal has a wide range of clients, including celebrities.
Despite invasive procedures like veneers once being in high demand, Dr Kal says "less is more for a long-lasting smile" and promotes non-invasive composite bonding, Invisalign, and professional teeth whitening.
Featuring in Olivia Attwood's recent season of The Price Of Perfection on ITV, he discusses the unrealistic cosmetic dental standards set by influencer culture.
"People are using their teeth as a status symbol, like you might do with a designer bag or watch." Dr Kal said. "And it's not just women, I've seen a rise in men seeking dental work. They're not embarrassed or shy, and why should they? A lovely smile is beautiful on men and women.
"I like to promote non-invasive procedures like composite bonding, plus they don't affect the quality of the tooth through drilling or filling. Less is more when it comes to dental procedures- that and an enamel-safe toothpaste, and I recommend an electric toothbrush."
Understanding that not everyone can afford cosmetic dentistry, Dr Kal said: "I don't recommend whitening strips, they're too chemically abrasive for the teeth. It diminished the enamel, making the teeth more vulnerable to damage and cavities.
"A good enamel-safe toothpaste is where you should start, and preferably an electric toothbrush. Oil pulling is an ancient medicinal practice which some people favour to get a whiter smile, but I evidence supporting its use is quite low.
"Teeth whitening is where I recommend people spend their money, by going to a professional. It's more effective, safer and longer-lasting due to the EU-regulated chemicals we use.
"It's a luxury not everyone can or wants to indulge in. If it's not something you can afford, an interdental toothbrush is your go-to product. Everyone should be using them."
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