A smile is often your first introduction to someone else. Many of us care about the look of our grins because we find smiles so attractive. Our obsession with a beaming grin isn’t all vanity, though. Psychology and self-esteem are involved with the look of our teeth. A bright smile allows us “to connect with other people,” Yale University psychologist Marianne LaFrance said (via Wired). No matter how hard we try, we sometimes judge others and ourselves based on appearances, including smiles. Looking in the mirror, you are probably the most critical person about your own toothy grin. “Our smile is an extension of our personality,” Dr. Stephanie Dumanian, a dentist at Park Lex 60 Dental, told Refinery29. “It gives us self-esteem and confidence.”
Social media may make us more self-conscious about smiles, too. In fact, dentists have noticed that social media sites like Instagram are leading to everyday patients requesting procedures once reserved for ultra-rich celebrities. “It’s mind-blowing how much influence social media has on people,” Anabella Oquendo Parilli, a dentist and assistant dean for international probrams at New York University, said (per the Atlantic). One specific procedure has gained popularity on social media over the last few years, and dentists are worried that this irreversible procedure could ruin your smile.
More and more people are getting veneers because of social media
Dentists have noticed that more patients are asking for veneers: porcelain or resin material that are placed in front of the visible part of one’s teeth (via Aspen Dental). Veneers are not something you would encounter in your average dental cleaning. These expensive coverings cost at least $1,000 per tooth, according to the Atlantic, with more renowned dentists charging up to $4,000 a tooth. With the expense of this procedure in mind, why are so many people changing their smiles?
Dentists have noticed that more patients are asking for veneers: porcelain or resin material that are placed in front of the visible part of one’s teeth (via Aspen Dental). Veneers are not something you would encounter in your average dental cleaning. These expensive coverings cost at least $1,000 per tooth, according to the Atlantic, with more renowned dentists charging up to $4,000 a tooth. With the expense of this procedure in mind, why are so many people changing their smiles?
The cons of getting veneers
There are lots of important things to know before you get veneers. Veneers are not your average dental procedure. You can’t change your mind after getting these porcelain coverings. “[V]eneers are irreversible, costly, and need to be replaced after 15-20 years,” dentist Ramin Tabb told Everyday Health. While veneers are expensive and permanent, that doesn’t mean they are full-proof when it comes to damage.
