Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry
Published on: June 6, 2025
Preoccupation with one's appearance: a motivating factor for cosmetic dental treatment?
A De Jongh1, F M D Oosterink, Y R van Rood
1Department of Social Dentistry and Behavioural Sciences, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam, The Netherlands. a.de.jongh@acta.nl
Background:
It has been estimated that among patients presenting for cosmetic treatments up to 15% suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a psychiatric condition characterised by a preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance.
Objectives:
The main purpose of the current study was to establish the relationship between presence of BDD characteristics and interest in aesthetically motivated dental treatments.
Methods:
Data were obtained by means of a survey within a sample of 879 Dutch citizens of 16 years and older. Characteristics of BDD were assessed based on DSM-IV criteria.
Results:
Only one of the BDD features (ie a preoccupation with a defect of appearance) emerged as a significant predictor of undergoing cosmetic dental treatments. Patients with such preoccupation were nine times more likely to consider tooth whitening, and six times more likely to consider orthodontic treatment. They were also five times more likely to be dissatisfied about their most recent treatment.
Conclusions:
The results suggest that preoccupation with one's physical appearance is a motivating factor for undergoing certain types of cosmetic dental procedures.
Related Concept Videos
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Impression Management Techniques I: Managing Appearances
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Oral
Weaning, typically occurring around the age...
