To achieve that perfect smile, many are opting for dental veneers, but this procedure can be expensive and requires maintenance.
Imagine this: you are on a blind date, and your date walks into the restaurant. As you get 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. After all, no one likes those crooked, pale teeth.
Stop checking your teeth now. You must often wonder how your favourite celebrities and social media influencers always have the perfect smile. No, they were not born this way. It is the magic of dental veneers.
What are dental veneers?
“Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-coloured materials like porcelain or resin. They’re
bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance,” Dr Anjana Satyajit, head, dentistry, Artemis
Hospital, Gurugram, tells India Today.
- The doctor explains that veneers can help in addressing various dental issues, like discolouration, chips, cracks, or gaps between teeth.
- They’re a popular cosmetic solution for enhancing smile aesthetics, providing a natural-looking, durable option for having a brighter, more uniform smile.
- They’re frequently used in cosmetic dentistry to create a symmetrical, attractive smile while maintaining the natural structure of the teeth.
Dr Arijit Sengupta, dentist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, South Dumdum Municipality Hospital and Seba Hospital,
Kolkata, shares that dental veneers are often referred to as ‘tooth jacket’ or ‘jacket crown’.
They are a prosthetic material placed on a defective or misaligned tooth or teeth to regain aesthetics and alignment.
However, veneers are high on maintenance and costly as they are one of the most aesthetic forms of permanent
restoration. They mainly focus on aesthetics rather than functionality or strength.
Sharing his opinion, Dr Vinod Tyagi, consultant, department of dentistry, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital says
that dental veneers are becoming popular due to their ability to provide immediate and dramatic improvements to the
appearance of teeth. And, with advancements in materials and techniques, veneers are now more accessible and offer
long-lasting results.
They are also becoming popular because of their versatility and effectiveness in addressing various cosmetic dental concerns.
“They provide a relatively quick and minimally invasive option in comparison to other dental procedures like crowns,” adds Dr Satyajit.
Obsession with the perfect smile
The experts feel that a perfect smile is often associated with health, confidence, and attractiveness. In a society that places a high value on appearance, people may strive for a perfect smile to boost self-esteem and social perception.
Additionally, social media platforms amplify the importance of visual aesthetics, further encouraging the desire for a perfect smile.
“Celebrities and social media influencers often prioritise their appearance due to their high visibility and the nature of their professions. Dental veneers can enhance their smiles by providing a flawless, camera-ready look, which can be advantageous for their personal brand and public image,” says Dr Tyagi.
