Clear dental aligners have revolutionized modern dentistry for over a quarter of a century, transforming smiles with a discreet and efficient alternative to traditional braces. This innovation has become a cornerstone of contemporary dental care.
Recognising the need to evolve beyond aesthetics and address the growing importance of recyclable practices, Remarcable Design partnered with Banning Dental on a groundbreaking project. This first-of-its-kind clinical art installation enhances patient engagement while tackling the crucial issue of environmental sustainability, demonstrating a patient-centric, planet-friendly approach.
The Challenge: Bridging Patient Curiosity with Brand Excellence
The creative brief was clear: how could we effectively showcase the benefits of clear dental aligners in a unique, tangible way that was both approachable for patients and aligned with Banning?s commitment to high-quality care and stand-out interior design? We recognised that patients often approach clear aligner treatment with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "What will they look like?" "How will my smile change over time?" "Will they be comfortable?" These questions, and the overarching "What will my journey be like?", underscored the need for a clear and engaging visual representation of the treatment process. We wanted to transform potential anxiety into informed enthusiasm.
Acknowledging the increasing environmental footprint of modern orthodontic solutions, we sought to integrate sustainability into every aspect of the project, moving beyond aesthetics to embed it into the core of the patient experience.
Remarcable Design's Innovative Solution: The Skull Artwork
We proposed an unconventional yet impactful solution: a skull-themed art installation. Far from being macabre, this choice deliberately challenged traditional dental displays and embraced a sense of rebellion, uniqueness, and individuality.
The installation features a series of skulls, each representing a distinct stage of the Invisalign treatment journey, from the initial consultation to the final set of aligners. Each skull is a canvas for artistic expression, paying tribute to various art forms, cultural celebrations, and iconic figures, and reflecting London's vibrant multicultural artistic society. This non-traditional dentistry approach captivates patients and provides a clear and engaging visual representation of the treatment process.
- Starting the Patient Journey: Skull #1
From the project's inception, we envisioned a skull incorporating 3D elements alongside painted artistry and chose to lead with this concept. The chosen motif, butterflies, stemmed from a profound experience during our travels in Australia. We visited a butterfly sanctuary, a haven of biodiversity, where we were immersed in the delicate beauty of these creatures. This encounter, a reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of preserving natural habitats, deeply resonated with us.
Recognising the fragility of ecosystems and the impact of human activity, we sought to capture this essence of natural wonder. We specifically chose blue butterflies, inspired by a species common in Australia but rare in the UK, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect vulnerable species. Our designs, often inspired by our travels, became an opportunity to translate this memorable experience into a symbol of nature's beauty and the importance of sustainability within our project.
David Bowie's iconic lightning bolt, a symbol of electrifying creativity, is instantly recognisable. This symbol, born from the collaboration of photographer Brian Duffy and makeup designer Pierre Laroche, represents more than just rock and roll; it embodies a spirit of innovation and transformative energy. Like the lightning bolt itself, which harnesses natural power, we sought to imbue this skull with a sense of enduring impact, a reminder that even small acts of creativity can spark significant change.
Just as Bowie's symbol resonated deeply with people, inspiring countless forms of expression, we believe sustainable practices can also inspire a collective shift towards a more responsible future. By incorporating this powerful symbol, we aimed to not only pay homage to Bowie's legacy but also to suggest that art and design can be a catalyst for positive environmental action. The added glasses and client logo served as a final touch, integrating the project's purpose with this enduring symbol of creative energy.
- Not the End of the Line: Skull #3
This skull, concluding the first row of the exhibition, is a tribute to Día de los Muertos, a celebration steeped in history and cultural significance. The vibrant artistry associated with this tradition, a reflection of deep-seated beliefs, has always captivated us. In a world, increasingly conscious of environmental impact, Día de los Muertos offers a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of honouring our ancestors and the earth they inhabited.
Just as this celebration encourages remembrance and respect, sustainable practices encourage us to respect and preserve the planet for future generations. Reni, our lead designer, poured her heart into this piece, embracing the idea that death is not an ending. This perspective aligns with the principles of recycling, which emphasise the interconnectedness of all living things. By featuring this skull, we sought to create a meaningful connection with Banning's diverse clientele, while also subtly promoting a message of environmental stewardship and respect for the earth's resources.
This skull was a joyful collaboration, with our design team creating a whirlwind of vibrant scribbles to the rhythm of music. We dubbed it 'A Turbulent Mind,' or 'Mind Before Meditation,' seeking to capture the essence of a mind before finding stillness. As mindfulness practitioners, we understand the importance of pausing and reflecting. The chaotic interplay of colours represents the relentless churn of thoughts, inviting viewers to take a deep breath and reconnect with themselves.
This moment of self-awareness is crucial, not only for mental well-being but also for fostering a sense of interconnectedness with the world around us. Just as we strive to cultivate inner peace, we must also strive to create a peaceful and sustainable environment. By encouraging mindfulness, we can empower individuals to make more conscious and responsible choices, contributing to a healthier planet. This piece is a timely reminder that personal and environmental health are inextricably linked.
- A New Set of Teeth in Bloom: Skull #5
This skull, a testament to our biophilic design approach, celebrates the regenerative power of plants. We sought to illustrate the essential link between living organisms and flora, recognising their pivotal role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. This piece also symbolises a 'green mind,' a young and flourishing intellect, encouraging continuous learning and sustainable growth. We utilised preserved green flowers, a hallmark of our designs, to underscore the theme of natural vitality. These elements align with Banning's brand ethos, which prioritises natural elements to create restorative spaces, demonstrating a commitment to both patient well-being and environmental responsibility.
We sought a culminating piece that celebrated art and creativity, and the 'Avatar' film provided the perfect inspiration. As passionate fans of storytelling and cinematic artistry, we were captivated by the film's message of enduring narratives and the power of visual communication. It was a timely, recognisable, and engaging choice, designed to resonate with a broad audience. The 'Woodsprites' on the wall, symbols of sanctity in the Avatar universe, reinforced our theme of symbolism and metaphorical representation.
Moreover, Avatar's powerful message of environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems resonated deeply with our commitment to recycling. The jellyfish-like elements, mirroring the bird drawings in Banning's café, symbolised movement and the interconnectedness of life. This final skull served as a powerful reminder of the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world and inspiring action toward a more sustainable future.
A Fusion of Art, Education, and Sustainability
The skull artwork serves multiple purposes. It acts as an educational tool, allowing the Banning Dental team to explain the treatment process and address patient concerns. It also encourages tactile engagement, enabling patients to physically interact with the aligners and understand the progression of their treatment.
Crucially, we integrated recycling into the installation. Recognising the waste generated by dental aligners, recycling boxes were incorporated into the artwork, encouraging patients to recycle their used aligners throughout their treatment. This simple yet effective measure promotes waste reduction and fosters a greener dental care approach.
In collaboration, it was developed bespoke one-line graphics that convey the brand?s commitment to environmental preservation. These graphics seamlessly blend with the existing artwork in the clinic's beauty room, creating a cohesive and impactful sustainability narrative.
In Conclusion
The art installation not only facilitates patient understanding and engagement but also delivers a powerful message: you, the user, can contribute to making the planet more sustainable.
This is a priority we all should embrace, ensuring that the advancements in healthcare are aligned with a responsible and environmentally conscious future.
