The rise of social media has completely upended just about every industry, and dentistry is no exception. Cosmetic dentistry has always drawn in people who are interested in looking their best for the camera, and now that everyone is interested in becoming an influencer themselves, the field has exploded in popularity.
While there’s nothing wrong with people chasing the smiles of their dreams, some people go for cosmetic treatments without fully understanding everything that the process entails, sometimes with serious consequences. The recent “veneers check” trend on TikTok is an excellent example.
What Is The “Veneers Check” Trend?
Initially, this trend started innocently enough. Veneers are used often by Hollywood celebrities to beautify their smile, transforming the looks of everyone from Jennifer Lawrence to Cardi B. This has made them a little bit of a status symbol. This contributed to influencers on TikTok who’ve gotten veneers showing off the results that they’ve gotten and the difference it’s made in their smile.
How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Go Wrong
While these videos do a great job of illustrating what veneers are capable of, they also give people an opportunity to show off some of their less-than-stellar dental work, sometimes unwittingly. Veneers are one of the pricier and more complex cosmetic treatments, and like any luxury item, some people wind up with knock-offs.
For one, some people don’t really understand the difference between dental crowns (which cover the tooth completely) and veneers (which only cover the front of the tooth). There are some people who are interested in veneers who get dental crowns instead, removing much more healthy enamel than they may need to.
There are also plenty of people who are interested in getting cheap veneers overseas that don’t involve getting rid of enamel. This results in ugly, bulky restorations that don’t look realistic.
If the “veneer check” trend has demonstrated anything, it’s that it’s important to do thorough research, work with a professional that you can trust, and not to skimp out on your dental care.
About the Author
Dr. Aliana Henkin brings gentleness and compassion to her practice of dentistry that sets her apart from her peers, and has been responsible for her success over the past 15 years that she’s been working as a dentist. Dr. Henkin received her dental doctorate from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. She is a Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association and a current member of the American Dental Association.
If you have any questions about veneers, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (973) 949-0925.