Hip & Healthy Magazine

16 April 2024

Hip & Healthy Magazine

Veneers, commonly referred to as “Turkey Teeth”, have become increasingly popular in recent years.

However, this aesthetic trend raises many concerns among dentists, and improperly getting the procedure done can do more harm than good.

As dental providers outside of the UK don’t have to abide by the same high standards as UK dentists, the materials they use are often of lower quality, which can be detrimental to your oral health and will often result in infection or more serious dental issues. There are several less invasive options available to help improve the appearance of your teeth; always consult with your dentist, who will be able to advise you on the best treatment options for your concerns!

The first DO, from my perspective, and which I strongly advise, is to remember that minimal intervention is the healthiest, and the less damage to the tooth structure, the better in the long term. Remember, you only get one set of adult teeth, so take care of them and protect them from any unnecessary damage or stress.

Simple dental treatments that can tweak your smile to improve their overall appearance and achieve a natural, healthy result can range from a basic hygiene appointment using Airflow salt, which dramatically cleans and polishes your teeth using a combination of jet water, air, and sodium bicarbonate, to remove external stains.

Another treatment that works for the majority of patients who are looking to improve the appearance of their teeth is teeth whitening. Teeth whitening treatments can reverse even the most severe stains. At The Smile Studios, we use the world-renowned Philips Zoom LED Teeth Whitespeed system, which instantly whitens teeth just one hour after treatment. Even patients with sensitive teeth are good candidates for this type of whitening treatment, and the results are always natural, non-damaging, and effective.

For patients who are looking to take a more restorative approach to improve their smile, I’d highly recommend composite bonding carried out by a professional. Composite bonding is a minimally invasive solution to transform teeth which are chipped, fractured, and stained.

Small gaps in between teeth can also be filled to give a more pleasing shape to your teeth. I recommend composite bonder over veneers as the treatment is conservative, and no natural tooth structure needs to be etched away. The results can also last up to 5 years, and no drilling or anaesthetic is required for the procedure, with minimal downtime.

Those who are seeking more extreme smile makeovers beyond the non-invasive methods mentioned will have to undergo more advanced treatments such as orthodontic correction or, in extreme cases, prosthetic restorations where teeth will need to be shaved and adjusted for veneers or crowns and sometimes even more surgical approach is required, where bridges and implants are used to achieve the desired, aesthetic result.

I want to stress that implants come with risks and complications, and patients should be made aware of these risks when considering undergoing this treatment. Dental implants are not as straightforward as many believe and should only be performed by a qualified dental professional. Improper application can lead to nerve damage and damage to other teeth and blood vessels, which can lead to loss of the implant and damage to the bone.

So, my basic DON’T is to avoid surgical and potentially tooth-damaging procedures wherever possible and to research treatments that achieve natural, long-lasting results whilst still maintaining the structure of your smile without damaging the tooth structure. Our research and knowledge of the long-term effects of these extreme cases of veneers is relatively unknown. However, we do know that the damage done by veneers is irreversible and is a permanent, expensive solution to oral aesthetic concerns.

The most important DO, if you are looking at getting your teeth “done” and improving the appearance of your teeth, is to always refer to a Specialist and research your dental practitioner; this will prevent any potential complications and long-term damage to your teeth.

Additionally, go to your consultations prepared – write down exactly what concerns you about your smile and what areas you would like to improve; this will give your specialist a good sense of what you are looking to achieve and provide the best treatment options suited to you ranging from basic to advanced. Ultimately, it helps you choose the safest and most cost-effective method that doesn’t damage healthy teeth and gums.