Navigating the Social Media Craze: The Realities of Cosmetic Dentistry, Veneers, and Snap-On Smiles

July 5, 2024

In an era where the pursuit of the perfect selfie dominates social platforms, the demand for flawless smiles has surged, bolstering the popularity of cosmetic dental treatments like dental veneers and Snap-On Smiles. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are brimming with influencers showcasing their ideal teeth, often pushing the boundaries of cosmetic dental procedures. However, the hype brought about by social media has also spawned risky trends, such as the emergence of the self-proclaimed "veneer technician." As a dental professional, it is crucial to address these misconceptions and underscore the importance of relying on qualified dental expertise, particularly when considering significant procedures like veneers or the more accessible Snap-On Smiles.

Understanding Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are among the most sought-after cosmetic procedures. These thin layers of porcelain or composite material are crafted to cover the front of the teeth, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the smile. Veneers can remedy a variety of dental issues, from discoloration and uneven spacing to minor misalignments and chips, offering durability and a life-like appearance that many desire.

Introducing Snap-On Smiles

Alongside veneers, Snap-On Smiles offer a non-invasive alternative to traditional cosmetic procedures. This removable dental appliance snaps over the existing teeth, instantly improving the appearance of one’s smile without altering the tooth structure. Ideal for those seeking a temporary or less costly solution, Snap-On Smiles can mask stains, gaps, and misalignments effectively.

The Myth of the "Veneer Technician"

The rise of social media has facilitated the spread of misinformation, notably the notion of a "veneer technician" capable of independently installing dental veneers. It is critical to clarify that no such certification exists within professional dentistry that authorizes anyone other than licensed dentists who possess years of training and a profound understanding of dental anatomy, to install veneers.

The Risks of Avoiding Professional Dental Care

Opting for procedures from non-licensed individuals carries significant risks:

Improper Installation: Both veneers and Snap-On Smiles require precise customization and fitting. Poorly installed products can lead to discomfort, misalignment, and an unsatisfactory appearance.
Damage to Teeth: Incorrect application techniques may cause irreversible damage to tooth enamel, potentially leading to sensitivity and more severe dental issues.
Aesthetic Failures: The primary motivation for most cosmetic dental treatments is to enhance one’s smile. Without proper expertise, the results can be underwhelming, failing to match the natural color or shape of the surrounding teeth.
Lack of Aftercare: A licensed dentist not only applies cosmetic enhancements but also ensures ongoing care to maintain the health of both the veneers and natural teeth. This critical support is often missing from non-professionals.

Choosing a Licensed Dentist

At Parkway Restorative Dentistry, we stress the importance of consulting with a licensed dentist for any cosmetic dentistry needs. Our team is proficiently trained in the latest techniques and technologies to ensure that your dental applications, be it veneers or Snap-On Smiles, are both beautiful and functional. Our practice offers a comprehensive approach, from initial consultation through the entire lifecycle of your dental enhancements, ensuring every aspect of your dental health is expertly managed.

The Role of Social Media

While social media is a powerful tool for sharing information and connecting people, its influence on personal decisions, particularly in health and aesthetics, should be navigated with caution. It's crucial to critically evaluate the sources of the information and the qualifications of individuals promoting medical procedures online.

Educating Patients and the Public

As part of our commitment to patient care, we prioritize education to help our clients make informed decisions. We encourage anyone considering veneers, Snap-On Smiles, or any other form of cosmetic dentistry to schedule a consultation. During these sessions, we discuss the procedures in detail, including what to expect during and after the procedure, the costs involved, and how to care for your dental applications.

The appeal of a quick and easy solution for a perfect smile might be tempting, but the risks involved with skipping professional dental care can lead to serious and costly consequences. Always ensure that your health and safety are your top priorities by choosing qualified and licensed professionals for any medical or dental procedures.

At Parkway Restorative Dentistry, we are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you achieve the beautiful smile you desire without compromising safety or quality. Remember, in the world of cosmetic dentistry, expertise and precision are the keys to success.

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You Want To See My What?!

By Dr. Alex Krasne • May 16, 2019

One of the most important issues to protect a patient’s privacy and collect the most amount from your insurance is to make sure we keep up to date with our patient’s data. In order to do that many times we will ask for you to provide us with an identification card, insurance card, or update our privacy forms. This is why we ask you to provide this information at each appointment. I wanted to take a minute to explain why we do these things and how they benefit our patients: Identification Cards: ID Cards are one of the best ways to protect our patient’s privacy and maximize their insurance benefits. By keeping an ID on file we have a reference for that person as well as their signature. If someone ever came to the office claiming to be someone they are not they could possible steal your information. Furthermore, having an ID on file can sometimes help us file claims faster with insurance if there is any missing information in the chart Insurance Cards: Many people may work at one company for many years and see their dental benefits change almost annually. Not only do companies change dental insurance providers, they also can change plan types, benefit levels, and even the type of services covered! Finally, the date on when your insurance “renews” also changes. Previously almost all insurances followed the calendar year January to December, but now these changes can happen at almost any time. By collecting this information and being able to verify your benefits we make sure you get what you deserve! Updated Forms: Perhaps the most important form in our office is the Patient Privacy form. It allows us to discuss treatment with you as well as any other people you may want (spouses, children, parents, etc) but, we must have explicit permission to do so. On top of that, we want you to know that we take your data and your privacy seriously and want to protect you from any one stealing your data and this part of that process. Thank you for understanding why we ask for this information. It may sometimes seem strange or invasive but everything we do and will always do is for the benefit of our patients and to make your dental experience as safe and secure as possible!

Dental Emergencies Defined

By Dr. Alex Krasne • May 13, 2019

“…but, it doesn’t hurt.” I tell my patients all the time I almost wish things hurt a little worse a little sooner. The human body holds amazing abilities to mask important physiological issues in order for us to cope with day to day life. When these emergencies occur about 1/3 of the time the patient fears a costly dental bill. But just as likely they were too busy to address an issue before it becomes serious. Below are how I would breakdown the typical dental emergency: 1) Simple one tooth problems A dental emergency in this category is a single broken tooth, lost crown, or something smaller like a chipped filling or natural tooth. This category also includes anyone with recent dental work completed that may have some lingering sensitivity. Assuming the issue is dedicated to one tooth, normally a single x-ray can be taken. Treatment for this may vary from $0 (emergency exams are part of our In Office Savings Plan) to around $1500 (if you needed a crown) if we cannot save the existing restoration. If time is a factor, we can even treat this same day with our CEREC imaging technology minimizing your appointments. 2) Painful, throbbing tooth or teeth and extensively broken teeth Teeth in this category will need more complicated intervention. Teeth here have had large cavities or broken pieces for long periods of time and have hurt intermittently until they become unbearable. If a patient presents with this level of discomfort, we will almost always have to address the underlying pain first before we can get the tooth healthy again. For many patients in this category we would expect a root canal, post and core, and crown to save the tooth (upwards of $3000) or we may have to extract the tooth and place an implant and crown (which can start at around ($3900). Other times the tooth may not hurt at all if it had a previous root canal but broke in a way that the tooth can no longer be saved. One word of warning regarding these cases many times someone with a painful tooth has many other neglected areas and we may have to prioritize our treatment. 3) Swollen cheeks, pus, bleeding, etc. This is a serious dental and medical emergency. If there is swelling present or difficulty breathing, we will need to get you immediate care. These issues can lead to breathing difficulty and even death. If we see a patient with these symptoms, we will typically need to get you to a specialist to remove the infection. If the tooth is saveable it may mean several trips to an endodontist but in many cases we will have to send you to an oral surgeon for treatment and followup care The above information is just an initial guide to dental emergencies and obviously can be different for each individual. However, when we have the opportunities to see you sooner than later we can normally treat you safely in the office. The worse things get the more complicated and dangerous they become. Think of the above symptoms as warning lights on your car. Many times we may see a Check Engine light on and still be able to drive the car easily but as that problem persists it gets worse. The faster we can get you in to see you the easier the problem is to fix (which means less money and less time away from work or family!)

What Happens to My Body When I Lose My Teeth

By Dr. Alex Krasne, DMD • April 15, 2019

“I wish I could have them all pulled.” I cannot tell you how many times in my life a patient has expressed this to me. It is almost always out of frustration after dealing with another expensive, long process to fix a tooth. And while I can empathize with their frustration, I can promise you from many years of experience that nobody who has ever lost all their teeth (or all the tops or all the bottoms) would EVER say it was worth it. For many people reading this article the following information does not apply to you directly. However, over 36 million people in the United States are currently missing all or a majority of their teeth. If somebody you know whether a spouse, family member, or close friend does suffer from missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures, please share the following information with them. So, what happens to your BODY when you lose your teeth? It’s a great question and not one many people have answered. Most physicians will spend less than half a day learning about the role of the oral cavity on your overall systemic health. Here are some shocking facts: · 1/4 of all people missing their teeth (even with traditional dentures in place) are malnourished · Half cannot eat healthy recommended foods for their diet including fruits, vegetables, and complex grains · A three time higher risk of developing obesity · 3.5 times higher risk of suffering from heart disease · 1.6 times higher risk of dementia · And many more problems to list Furthermore, denture wearers report avoiding social interactions more often, feeling more isolated, and avoiding friends, families, and important events because of their self-consciousness around their edentulism (missing teeth). The good news is we have fantastic modern solutions for these very real and very ancient problems. If you or somebody you know would like more information please call our office so we can help. Our digital denture and implant consultations are always free and may be the solution you are looking for.