Smile! What are veneers and what do they do to your natural teeth?
Social media posts, TV shows and films depict a perfect smile as being dominated by a broad pearly white teeth.
- Social media posts, TV shows and films depict a perfect smile as being dominated by a broad pearly white teeth.
- The idea of this kind of “perfect” smile was born in early Hollywood and popularised by actors including Julia Roberts.
- Advertisements for toothpaste or other oral health products commonly use models with wide, bright smiles, creating an aesthetic ideal.
What are veneers?
- Veneers are coverings (usually made of porcelain) constructed in a laboratory and then bonded with adhesive to teeth.
- Dental veneers can be used to change the colour and shape of teeth.
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What lies beneath
- They may need to be replaced if they chip, discolour or come unstuck.
- Each time a veneer is replaced the amount of the tooth left can reduce in size, making each round of care more difficult.
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Professional guidelines
- Recently the Medical Board of Australia has issued guidelines for medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery, with stronger regulation due to come into effect at the start of July this year.
- They include patient screening for body dysmorphia – a mental health condition characterised by excessive concern about one’s appearance or specific physical features.
Alternatives
- Bleaching (or whitening) has been a standard clinical activity since the late 1980s and is normally undertaken using customised trays and prescription of a range of bleach treatments.
- Ideally this is done in consultation with a dental practitioner to understand the cause of tooth discolouration.
- In recent times, dentists have been able to provide individualised clear aligners to move teeth in a controlled manner.
Teeth for life
Dentists are trained to provide lifelong care and should be keen to explain and tailor treatment choices for informed and considered patients. Patient-centred care should drive treatment choices and advocate for the best interests of patients. As such, we must maintain a balanced approach towards the delivery of idealised look, keeping in mind the importance of teeth function for a healthy diet and wellbeing.