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What won’t a celebrity do with their fortune? Some might build a luxury sports car or buy a 10-bedroom mansion in the hills. Meanwhile, others may be thinking like Pharrell and falling $100,000 in Infinity Stone Grills. Since the early 1980s, dentistry for the Black community has been more than just routine cleanings. Cosmetics, like grills, often find their home on the mouths of big celebrities as a status symbol. But frosted teeth aren’t the only tools pop culture leaders use to enhance their smiles.
More than 50 years before grills became popular, veneers were invented by Hollywood dentist Charles Pincus to enhancing an actor’s appearance in a movie. “Veneers are a thin, custom shell usually made of porcelain or composite resin designed to cover the front surface of teeth,” cosmetic dentist Dr. Quodarrius Toney (Dr. Q). “Veneers can provide a natural-looking and esthetically pleasing smile.” Now, like a cousin to roasts, Hollywood is still interested in Pincus’ teeth-improving invention. From TI and Steve Harvey, to Denzel Washington and Cardi Bin recent years, celebrities have been known to “take a bag and fix their teeth”.
“There has been a marked increase in demand for veneers in recent years,” says Dr. Q. “This is partly due to the influence of social media, where people often see and aspire to the flawless smiles of celebrities and influencers,” she adds. “Many celebrities openly discuss their cosmetic dental procedures, including veneers, in the media and on social platforms,” she continues. For the patient of Dr. Q, Glorilla, the rapper posted on Instagram last year to show off her new veneers and she hasn’t stopped cheesing since.
But “while veneers have been popularized by celebrities and influencers, veneers aren’t necessarily a symbol of status or culture,” he says. “They are sought after primarily for their cosmetic benefits and ability to improve self-confidence,” she continues. According to Dr. Q, patients often request veneers for reasons other than celebrity influence, such as: cosmetic enhancement, removing stains and discoloration, correcting minor orthodontic problems, boosting self-confidence and longevity, all of which improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth.
And the process shows no signs of slowing down. According to Future Market Insights, the global market for dental veneers was worth about $2.7 billion in late 2021. The process is expected to nearly double in value over the next 10 years. “Many individuals report increased self-esteem and a greater willingness to smile and engage in social situations after receiving veneers,” says Dr. Q. “Ultimately, veneers will likely remain a popular cosmetic dental option, serving those seeking both aesthetic improvements and long-term effects”.
