Adopting a comprehensive approach to minimize the impact of social media on dental esthetics

Abstract Dental esthetics is crucial for self-confidence, interactions with people, and well-being. In the current era, social media plays a defining role in influencing perceptions about dental esthetics, which leads to a rise in the demand for cosmetic dental procedures. However, the constant exposure to flawless smiles on social media tends to make individuals more self-aware and more critical of their dental esthetics. Due to the overhyped and the unnecessary advertisement and marketing of esthetic dental procedures across different platforms of social media, there has been a significant increase in the number of unsafe or unregulated dental procedures. Acknowledging the rampant rise in esthetic dental procedures, the psychological consequences, and the involved ethical considerations, there is a significant need to encourage better practices. In conclusion, social media plays a crucial role in defining preferences for dental esthetic procedures among the general population. However, the need of the hour is to plan and adopt a comprehensive approach to encourage healthy and ethical practices and take targeted steps to discourage false information and harmful practices.