Imagine this: you’re on a blind date and your date walks into the restaurant. As you stand up to greet them, they flash their not-so-attractive smile.
Such a turn off, you think to yourself.
It is true that a person’s teeth can change their appearance and we all wish we had the perfect smile. Besides, nobody likes those crooked, pale teeth.
Stop checking your teeth now. You must often wonder how your favorite celebrities and social media influencers always have the perfect smile. No, they weren’t born that way. It’s the magic of dental veneers.
What are dental veneers?
“Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells made of tooth-colored materials such as porcelain or resin. They are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance,” said Dr Anjana Satyajit, head, dentistry, Artemis Hospital , Gurugram, says India Today.
- The doctor explains that veneers can help treat various dental problems, such as discoloration, chips, cracks or gaps between teeth.
- It is a popular cosmetic solution for improving smile aesthetics, providing a natural-looking, durable option for a brighter, more even smile.
- They are often used in cosmetic dentistry to create a symmetrical, attractive smile while preserving natural tooth structure.
Dr. Arijit Sengupta, dentist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, South Dumdum Public Hospital and Seba Hospital, Kolkata, shares that dental veneers are often referred to as a ‘tooth jacket’ or ‘jacket crown’.
It is a prosthetic material placed on a defective or misaligned tooth or teeth to restore aesthetics and alignment.
However, veneers are high maintenance and expensive as they are one of the most aesthetically pleasing forms of permanent restoration. They focus mostly on aesthetics rather than functionality or strength.
Sharing his opinion, Dr Vinod Tyagi, consultant in the department of dentistry at Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital says that dental veneers are becoming popular because of their ability to provide immediate and dramatic improvements in the appearance of teeth. And, with advances in materials and techniques, veneers are now more affordable and offer long-lasting results.
They are also becoming popular due to their versatility and effectiveness in treating various cosmetic dental problems.
“They provide a relatively quick and minimally invasive option compared to other dental procedures such as crowns,” adds Dr. Satyajit.
Obsession with the perfect smile
Experts believe that a perfect smile is often associated with health, confidence and attractiveness. In a society that places great value on appearance, people may strive for a perfect smile to boost self-esteem and social perception.
In addition, social media platforms reinforce the importance of visual aesthetics, further encouraging the desire for a perfect smile.
“Celebrities and social media influencers often prioritize their appearance due to the high visibility and nature of their professions. Dental veneers can enhance their smile by providing a flawless, camera-ready look that can be beneficial for their personal brand and public image,” says Dr. Tyagi.
Adding to this, Dr Sengupta says, “As the trend of veneers started to enhance the smiles of celebrities and influencers, a large group of followers opted for the same despite having good dental alignment without defects, making it more of a fashion trend. . rather than a cosmetic dental treatment’.
Big bite in the pocket
Dr Sengupta reports that an average veneer starts at around Rs 15,000 per tooth and will increase depending on the quality, purpose and many other factors.
Veneers are actually recommended for patients who have:
- Cracked tooth
- Chipped tooth tip
- Internal or external discoloration of the tooth due to various factors
- Misaligned tooth
Dr Tyagi agrees and says that the cost of dental veneers can vary depending on the material used, the expertise of the dentist and the location.
“In India, on an average, veneers can cost anywhere from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 per tooth depending on the individual’s requirements,” he adds.
Know the process
- The procedure for dental veneers begins with examining the tooth and understanding the patient’s requirements, followed by the removal of any damage or factors that may lead to damage to the restoration.
- The next step involves cutting away the natural tooth structure to make room for the veneer to sit on the tooth.
- This is followed by a dental impression and other measurements, which are then sent to the lab to make the veneers.
- Once made, the veneers are then tried on in the mouth and proceed for permanent cementation followed by minor grinding and adjustments.
- The overall process is very delicate and time-consuming and can take several days from the initial start, but it can vary due to various conditions.
“Veneers are suitable for people who are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and are willing to undergo the procedure for long-term smile enhancement,” says Dr. Satyajit.
Are you planning to get dental veneers? I remember…
- Set realistic expectations for the result before getting veneers and communicate openly with the dentist about the desired results.
- A thorough oral health exam is necessary to ensure that veneers are appropriate and that any underlying issues are addressed beforehand.
- You also need to understand the permanence of the process, as veneers usually require the enamel to be removed and may need to be replaced over time.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to have a long lifespan of the veneers.
- Choose a qualified and experienced dentist who can provide personalized care and achieve optimal aesthetic results.
- After getting dental impressions, do not chew on hard objects such as pens, ice, or your fingernails.
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, get a brace or retainer to protect your veneers.
- Do not use abrasive toothpastes or teeth whitening products as they can scratch the veneer.
- Avoid excessive use of foods with high flexibility as they can stain the veneer and stay away from hard or sticky foods.
