Porcelain veneers are all the rage today, with instant makeover shows on television glamorizing cosmetic dental procedures, along with face lifts and breast enlargements.
The average person just wants their teeth a little whiter or straighter, or has old fillings that have gone dark. A few front teeth may be slightly chipped.
Wikipedia defines “cyberchondria” as a colloquial term to describe the behaviour of individuals who use the Internet to gather information on health or healthcare, for themselves or people in their care. Although there may not be much about how “cyberchondria” relates to cosmetic dentistry, there are people who self diagnose the need for veneers.
No matter what their smile looks like, they think porcelain veneers are the answer. This may not be the case and you should seek more than one opinion as with all irreversible, surgical medical procedures, especially of the elective or cosmetic kind.
In conclusion porcelain veneers may be the most expensive option in the long run and may not be required for your particular case.
There certainly are cases where they are the best option, and if done properly can achieve a natural and cosmetically pleasing result.
Over the last 25 years many of my patients have simply required 10- 14 nights of take-home bleaching, some quick, simple, inexpensive cosmetic contouring, and the replacement of old discloured fillings. For crowding orthodontic referral may be the best option.
This article is solely the professional and individual opinion of Dr. Clifford Yudelman, a Perth dentist in Nedlands, Western Australia and does not replace the professional guidance of your own personal dentist. He/she is the best person to counsel you if a dental procedure like porcelain veneers, cosmetic contouring, tooth whitening or orthodontics, may be the right treatment for your specific situation. Please consult with them if you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in this article.
For more information from "The Journal of the American Dental Association" JADA called "Veneer Mania" click the link
