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The Illusion of Perfection by Dr. Glenn Krieger

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Categories: Health, Wellness and Ergonomics;
The Illusion of Perfection 

Navigating social media as orthodontic professionals

by Dr. Glenn Krieger

In the realm of orthodontics, where precision meets artistry, we are accustomed to striving for perfection. Our profession demands a meticulousness that often spills over into other facets of our lives, pushing us toward becoming overachievers not just in our clinics but also in every role we undertake. As leaders of orthodontic practices, revered members of our communities and mentors to one another, we embody success and expertise. However, this pursuit of excellence, while admirable, exposes us to a peculiar challenge in the age of digital connectivity—the allure and the pressure of social media perfection.

During a recent Orthopreneurs podcast interview with Orthotown Editorial Director Dr. Chad Foster, a conversation unfolded that cast a spotlight on an issue increasingly pervasive in our lives and practices: the impact of social media on mental health. Through studies and dialogues with mental health therapists, it’s become evident how the curated perfection on social media platforms is not just misleading but potentially harmful, steering individuals and professionals away from their genuine interests and sustainable practices toward a mirage of unattainable standards.


The mirage of social media perfection
Social media, for all its merits in connectivity and outreach, has become a double-edged sword. It’s a world where everyone seems to be outperforming everyone else, where every practice boasts only the best outcomes, the most cohesive teams, the happiest work environments and the most grateful patients. It’s a world where personal lives are flawlessly balanced with professional demands, where every parent appears to be nothing short of exemplary, dedicating quality time to their children that always ends in smiles and laughter, devoid of any tantrums or tears that preceded the captured moment.

For orthodontists, who are inherently driven by the desire to achieve and excel, this can create a dissonance. We begin to measure our worth and our success not by our real accomplishments and the tangible impact we make on our patients’ lives but by how well we can match or surpass these showcased highlights. This comparison game is perilous, because it shifts our focus from our personal and professional growth to chasing an ideal that in reality does not exist.


The behind-the-scenes reality
It’s crucial to remember that much of what we see on social media is a selective showcase of the best moments, deliberately chosen for their appeal and impact. The individuals we admire and perhaps envy, presenting their best behavior and outcomes, are giving us a glimpse of what they wish the world to see. But what lies behind the curtain often mirrors our reality— challenges, setbacks, failures and the mundane routines that are part and parcel of running an orthodontic practice.

These snippets of excellence are not a comprehensive representation of anyone’s life or professional journey. They omit the struggles, the doubts, the hard decisions and the resilience required to overcome obstacles. Just like us, those we look up to face their own battles, experience stress and anxiety, and navigate the complexities of balancing work with personal life. Their experiences, devoid of social media filters, are likely no more exciting or fulfilling than what any of us encounter daily.


The spill-over into personal lives
The pervasive demographic in most social media professional forums are millennials, and one need only look at many stories and feeds to see the idea of online perfection at work. For many, cast aside is the documentation of anything personal, but instead, it’s post after post about children. To be honest, I genuinely don’t even know what many of my friends are up to, because in following their social media stories, all I see is pictures and videos of kids, as if that’s how they want to be defined by those watching.

But here’s the thing: very few are posting the negative moments in the parenting lifecycle. I have three grown kids and let me tell you, there are way more challenging times than there are perfect moments worthy of social media posts. And all of my other friends with kids are watching everybody else’s idyllic posts about their kids, which leads to what looks like a crazy positive feedback loop, where a parenting ideal is what is being displayed and consumed. And nobody can meet this ideal! It creates a concerning social issue, one that therapists are already seeing in their offices. It’s a scenario where parents—good parents—feel they need to do more and more to be great parents, when in fact, statistics indicate that today’s parents already spend far more time with their children than any generation before, but when asked if they think they’re spending enough time, the majority say “no.”

This has led to a decrease in self-care among parents. For instance, when I ask younger doctors, “If I could get you more time, what would you do with it?” their answer, inevitably, without even a pause, is, “Spend more time with my kids.” Not “Take up more of my hobbies” or “Travel more with my spouse or friends,” or even something simpler like “Take a nap.”

I’ve spoken to therapists who are dealing with this social media-driven parenting frenzy, and they are worried. Not only for their patients who scroll through feeds all day and feel they need more “kid time” and less “self time,” but with the coming issues when these kids—who’ve been the central focus of their parents’ day, every day, for years and years—leave the house. The parents have no self-identity away from their children, while the kids don’t know a life of independence.

This isn’t my conjecture, but rather straight from the mouths of mental health experts. And it’s driven predominantly by the social media stories and vignettes we’re repeatedly shown on a daily basis, where vulnerability is scarce and “perfection” is regularly on display.


Refocusing on what truly matters
The first step in countering the influence of social media is recognizing its impact on our perception and mental health. Understanding that the comparison game is inherently flawed and unproductive can liberate us from the pressure to conform to these showcased ideals. Instead, we should focus on our journey, measuring success by our standards and the goals we set for ourselves and our practices.

Cultivating an environment that celebrates real achievements, learning from failures and continuously striving for improvement is essential. It’s about acknowledging the hard work, the team effort and the small victories that contribute to the overall success of our practices and lives. Emphasizing personal growth, team development and patient satisfaction over social media acclaim can foster a more fulfilling and sustainable professional life.

Moreover, embracing authenticity and sharing our experiences—including the challenges and how we overcome them—can offer a more balanced perspective on what it means to be an orthodontist. By doing so, we not only set a more realistic standard for our peers but also contribute to a culture of support and understanding within the orthodontic community.


Building a supportive community
Online social media groups such as Orthotown and Orthopreneurs play a crucial role in this context. They offer spaces where orthodontists can connect, share their experiences and learn from each other without the pretense of perfection. By fostering a community that values genuine advice, practical wisdom and mutual support, we can counter the negative aspects of social media culture.

Engaging in open discussions about the challenges of running a practice, managing a team and balancing professional and personal life can help demystify the journey to success. It encourages a collective growth mindset, where learning from each other’s experiences and insights becomes a source of strength and inspiration.


Conclusion
As orthodontic professionals, our journey is unique and fraught with challenges that require resilience, dedication and a continuous pursuit of excellence. The curated realities of social media should not distract us from our path or diminish our achievements. Instead, let us focus on the tangible impact of our work and lives, the real progress we make every day and the genuine connections we foster with our patients, peers and families.

In this digital age, where the line between perception and reality is increasingly blurred, it’s more important than ever to ground ourselves in authenticity and purpose. Let’s strive not for the fleeting approval of social media but for the lasting satisfaction of knowing we’ve lived true to our ideals and contributed positively to our communities and the lives of our patients. By doing so, we enrich our own lives and set a precedent for future generations of orthodontists to aspire to genuine success, unmarred by the illusions of perfection.
Author Bio
Dr. Glenn Kriegerl Dr. Glenn Krieger graduated from dental school in 1992 and moved to Seattle in 1996, where he established a solo boutique practice. After 20 years as a restorative and cosmetic dentist, Krieger returned to residency to become an orthodontist. A diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, he maintains a private orthodontic practice in Lewisville, Texas.

Krieger has presented to thousands of dentists in North America, has been published in textbooks and dental periodicals, and has been named a “Top Clinician in Continuing Education” nine times. He is a member of Orthotown’s editorial advisory board, and also is the administrator of Orthopreneurs, a group dedicated to helping orthodontists run their practices with an entrepreneurial bent.



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