Bracing for change: Are veneers taking over or is this another trend?

More people seem to be opting for veneers instead of braces to fix their teeth. Could it just be another trend, is it financially motivated or are they easier to maintain? Dr Leschen Marx from Mediclinic Bloemfontein explains some of the reasons behind the shift. 

In the USA, most specialists have cited TikTok as the major influence behind the sudden surge of new customers who come in and opt for veneers instead of braces. Could it be that South Africans are also influenced by social media, or are there other factors?

“Definitely, we all watch famous Americans in movies, on Netflix or social media and these platforms have painted a picture of what ’beautiful’ looks like. We now tend to think that beautiful teeth are these pearly white sets of perfectly shaped teeth. We, however, have to look at each patient’s individual needs, and wanting veneers might not be the best treatment for the patient.”

As social media continues to become a big influence on peoples decisions including the sudden surge of people opting for veneers instead of braces, explains why orthodontists are seeing a majority of a younger demographic.

Dr Marx highlights the differences between veneers and braces.

“It is essential that patients understand the difference between braces and veneers. These two treatments, for the most part, address different concerns. Veneers are used to alter or modify the shape, size and colour of teeth, whereas braces are used to correct malalignment of teeth. In some instances, veneers can be used to give the appearance of straighter, more aligned teeth. If the patient presents with severe malalignment, preparing the tooth to be better aligned will result in the destruction of the healthy tooth and can thus present with a whole range of future problems. This does not meet the criteria for today’s school of thought in dentistry, where the aim is to practice conservative dentistry, saving and maintaining as much tooth structure as possible. So, while clinicians may be seeing more patients wanting to get veneers, the patient’s needs will ultimately determine the treatment provided.”

An advantage of veneers is the short timeline compared to braces.  “The whole process can be concluded in just a few weeks if you include consultation, treatment planning and then the actual preparing of the teeth and cementing of the veneers,” Dr Marx says.

If you’re considering getting veneers, one thing to note is that they are viewed as a cosmetic procedure and require teeth that are in good condition. “Veneers are primarily used to address aesthetic concerns and are therefore considered cosmetic. Orthodontic braces, on the other hand, are designed to address malalignment, function, speech, breathing problems and even temporomandibular joint problems. For this reason, braces are seen as a medical procedure and veneers are not.”

The increased demand has even had an impact on the quality of veneers being produced, which Dr Marx views positively. “Due to the increase in demand, scientists have been able to produce materials that are stronger and more aesthetic than before,” Dr Marx notes.

The process is a bit more brutal on your natural teeth but it seems most patients come in knowing what to expect. Dr Marx attributes this to being in a very digital generation. “Most patients who request veneers have a general understanding of what the procedure entails, thanks to Google or social media. We as clinicians just have to make sure that the patient has information that is factually correct.”

How does one take care of their natural teeth and veneers at the same time?

“Veneers are cemented to your underlying natural tooth structure. Therefore, you take care of them like they are your natural tooth. Brushing and flossing is essential. One should not get confused between veneers, crowns or even fillings which are cemented and thus non-removable and something like a partial denture that is removable.”