Colors in Dentistry

and Life

Brought to you by Sulzer Mixpac Dental

Colors in Your Practice

• Colors can be used effectively in your practice

to enable both patients and staff to feel more

comfortable while in your environment

• Use cool, natural colors – such as blue, green

or brown – for a calming effect

• Use warm colors – vibrant reds, oranges, pinks

and yellows – sparingly; they can tend to

make people feel agitated

Colors in Your Practice

• Before redecorating your practice, consider your patient base. Does it consist of: – Mostly children

– Seniors

– Young and trendy?

• What kind of environment exists in your practice? Is it: – Anxiety-free, friendly, tranquil, radiating serenity and focus

– A “feelgood” space, promoting a sense of wellbeing and lightness

– Preventive, a functional place intent on keeping sickness at bay

– Regenerative, with a relaxed mood, aiding concentration

Colors in Your Practice

• Before redecorating or redesigning your space, you may

want to seek help from a professional. There are quite a

few interior decorators who specialize in dental offices

• With that in mind, some colors may be

uniquely suited for one practice, but

not at all suitable for another

• Some may be perfect for wall colors

or even entire rooms, whereas others

might be better used only for

accessories

Blue and Brown

Blue

• Considered “favorite

color” of many

• Perceived as trustworthy,

dependable and steadfast

• Cools, calms and sedates

• Often associated with sky

and sea; promotes sense

of freedom

Brown

• Symbolizes stability,

reliability – a sense of

approachability

• Offers a feeling of

wholesomeness

• Suggests a connection

with the earth and

provides a sense

of order

Yellow and Turquoise

Yellow • Suggests sunshine

• A happy color, indicating

lightness, openness, warmth

• Possesses an uplifting energy

• Enhances joy, promotes

motivation and awareness

• Encourages communication

• A soft yellow is well suited for

waiting and reception

areas as well as

smaller rooms

Turquoise • Often associated with

Caribbean beaches

• Balances the peace and

tranquility of blue with the

uplifting energy of yellow and

the growth-sense of green

• Enhances focus and

concentration

• Calms, heals emotions

and restores

depleted energy

Green and Gray

Green • THE color in nature; an ideal

backdrop in interior design

• Friendly and open

• Shades from “forest” to “lime”

are perceived as calming and

refreshing

• Soothes and relaxes the mind

and the body

• May help alleviate

uneasiness and

anxiety

Gray • Represents intellect,

knowledge and wisdom

• Perceived as enduring, classic,

sleek and refined

• Dignified and conservative;

possesses a sense of authority

• The color of compromise

• Neutral and hence

popular with

designers as a

background color

Red and Orange

Red • Represents power, energy and

passion

• Increases enthusiasm,

promotes action and

confidence

Orange • Stimulates activity; encourages

sociability

• Radiates warmth, friendliness,

optimism and openness

• Traditionally associated with

Thanksgiving and autumn, the

harvest time

Purple and Pink

Purple • Calms the mind; eases

nervousness

• Considered the Color of

Royalty, indicating piety and

honor

• Perhaps provide a Royal

award of your own design to

fearful patients for the honor of

going through treatment

successfully

Pink • Soothing

• Discourages aggression and

ill-will

• Encourages an air of

friendliness

„Side Effects“ of Colors

• Blue – Some shades may be too intense and seem unfriendly or cold

• Brown – May be perceived as boring or monotonous when not highlighted by other

colors

• Gray – May seem unsettling or radiate a lack of confidence; can have a dampening

effect on other colors combined with it

• Red – Can increase blood pressure, respiration and pulse rate. Is associated with

blood; should be used with caution in a dental office

• Orange – People either love or hate the color. It can create anxiety in some people.

Use sparingly, perhaps as a highlight in reception or waiting areas

• Purple – As a mixture of red and blue, purple can be disquieting if the undertone is

not clearly defined. It might be perceived as melancholy or depressing. Use sparingly

• Pink – Bright pinks – like red – can increase blood pressure, respiration, heart rate.

Can be perceived as physically draining and destabilizing

Irrespective of cultural connotations, there is always the risk that some people may just

not like a specific color.

Other Ways to Introduce Colors to

Your Practice

http://www.etsy.com/listing/125704355/mini-colorful-tooth-fairy-pillows?ref=pr_shop http://www.etsy.com/listing/

92141972/keep-calm-and-floss-on-11x14-dentist-art?ref=shop_home_active

http://www.etsy.com/listing/101361050/brush-floss-rinse-ombre-blue-pastel?ref=shop_home_active

• Motivational posters, giveaways, toys

• Plants and flowers – Bring a sense

of the outside in; a fragrant bouquet will brighten any space

• Art prints or photos – You might even consider hanging some on the ceiling to give patients something to look at during treatment

Other Ways to Introduce Colors to

Your Practice

http://www.hu-friedy.com/

http://www.practicon.com/

• Colorful equipment is another way to add the benefits of color to your practice

• Here are just a few of a wide range you might employ

http://www.sulzer.com/microsites/tips-for-dentists

Inspiration for Your Practice

The internet offers easy access to colorful inspiration for

your dental practice. Here are just a few links you might

find helpful:

• http://catalog.ada.org/ProductCatalog/115/Managing-Your-

Practice/Dental-Office-Design-A-Guide-to-Building-Remodeling-and-

Relo/P091

• http://pinterest.com/rachebug/dental-office-decor/

• http://weburbanist.com/2011/07/24/open-wide-10-jaw-dropping-

dental-office-concepts/

Sources (sample)

• http://www.sensationalcolor.com/color-meaning-

symbolism-and-psychology/

• http://www.colour-affects.co.uk/psychological-

properties-of-colours

• http://www.etsy.com (for the posters and teeth)

• http://www.hu-friedy.com/ (for the equipment)

• http://www.practicon.com (for the equipment)

• zm 97, Issue 11