Written In Collaboration With: Dente Magazine, STEPH NIGHTINGALE & CARL DEMADEMA, BOHSc

Image c/o @just_sign_here_ via Instagram

The Smith family has been going to the same dental practice forever. Even the children of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, whom you've watched grow up in your chair and start families of their own. Now somehow their kids seem to be getting older, and somehow you still feel like a new grad out of school. Like many long-term patients, they boast to family and friends, "We've all been going to the same dentist for years!"

In most cases, these loyal patients, when in good health, rarely need to see the dentist and spend most of their time at their appointments with the hygienist.

Patients generally really like their hygienist, chat with them, open up to them, and sometimes even cry to them. But the overarching theme here is that patients wholeheartedly trust their hygienist.

"When patients show up for a dental hygiene appointment with a financial estimate or treatment plan in hand, many times they need further validation on whether to proceed. When it comes to tooth integrity and issues impacting health and function, I always defer to the dentist's recommendation; It's a no-brainer! But when there's a treatment plan in place for something strictly cosmetic, it's subjective. It's ultimately up to the patient whether to proceed with their dream “Hollywood smile” makeover. We can't make those decisions for anyone; it's so personal." - Steph

Image c/o @dentemediallc

The veneer epidemic...

Gone are the days of people travelling abroad for affordable plastic surgery only. This is still very much prevalent, if not booming, due to IRL experiences being shared on TikTok. But now there's another layer to the beauty-bargain shopping craze. And it's those promoting "more affordable veneers."

On September 6th, 2024, The CUT published an article on this very topic. Although their readers took their comments to instagram and the comments were quite controversial, the main point of this article was to share the traumatic experiences of those affected by unfortunate cosmetic dental treatment. Those who opened up to the magazine are some incredibly brave souls and sadly only a handful of many out there with similar stories.

In our experience, patients who are either thinking of travelling abroad for cosmetic dental work or even have the appointment booked, tend to hide this from the dentist. Patients feel like they're 'cheating’ on their dentist. However, they do in fact share these upcoming  plans with their trusty hygienist, sounding like this:

"I think I'm going to travel to X to get the procedure done there instead. I don't want Dr. X to know I'm doing this. Please don't say anything––but what do you think?"

This is when hygienists can feel caught between a rock and a hard place. But it shouldn't be this way. Leading this conversation can actually be pretty simple.

"I've come up with a simple formula to navigate these conversations that's in the best interest of everyone, but ultimately, in the best interest of the patient."- says Steph

The Formula: Naturally You. Obviously We. Ultimately I.

The Sound Bites: “Naturally, you want these veneers done at the lowest price. Obviously we want to make sure you're happy with the results and financially comfortable. But ultimately, I need to be sure you understand the implications and potential short and long-term risks that are associated with this.”

Having worked in both General and Periodontal practices, Steph's treated many mouths (and tears) from those who are suffering physical pain and emotional regret going down this price shopping path for the perfect smile.

The reality is, no one has a magic 8-ball to predict the outcome of veneers done by a "technician" or a dentist with a more affordable, innovative technique. And no one's growing a money tree in our backyards that fit the bill of modern dentistry. But ultimately, any problems following (bad) treatment do fall into the hands of that patient’s long-term dentist and hygienist.

"We’re not just here to manage and fix problems. We’re in the profession to care for someone's ability to eat, chew, speak, and smile seamlessly for the rest of their lives." - Andrea Galick, RDH

Porcelain veneers don't have to be the end-all, be-all. Some offices may offer payment plans that work within your lifestyle. In either scenario, if the patient values the treatment and the warranty that comes with it, the outcome is typically favourable. 

In conclusion, there are many ways to tweak a smile and boost confidence that don’t involve veneers. Realigning the teeth, professional whitening, manicuring the gums to promote symmetry, a lip flip with Botox, contouring tiny defects. So much can be done creatively to enhance a smile.

At the end of the day, pink, flat, healthy gums can be the most attractive part of a person's smile.

"Having been elbow deep in plaque and perio my entire career, that’s just my own personal POV!" - Steph 

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The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice and in-person consultation. It is provided with the understanding that STIM MIE INC. ("Stimmie") is not engaged in the provision or rendering of dental advice or services. Although monitored and written in collaboration with licensed dental professionals, the opinions and content included in these articles are general and not patient-specific. You understand and agree that Stimmie shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon, any content or information in our written materials.

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