TikTok. Even if you don’t have an account, chances are, you’ve heard of the insanely popular social network. With over 850 million users worldwide, it’s home to several emerging video trends. Some have even made headlines – but for alarming reasons. One of the latest dental trends has dentists warning against it, claiming it’s highly misleading and causing people to make horrible permanent mistakes. Read on to discover what this dangerous new trend is and why consulting with a skilled dentist is of the utmost importance.
What Is the Latest Dental TikTok Trend?
“Veneers check” is the latest dental trend to hit TikTok. Users are showing off their filed-down natural teeth before a dental procedure, scaring would-be patients out of cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers.
However, dentists are warning that this trend is misleading because filing down your teeth pre-veneers is highly unnecessary and potentially harmful. One TikTok dentist explains how shaving your teeth into stumps is not meant for veneers, but rather crown preparations – and there’s a big difference.
What’s the Difference Between Dental Crowns and Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment that helps patients achieve a gorgeous, bright smile in just a few dental visits. Veneers are thin, dental-grade porcelain shells bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth. They require little to no preparation, meaning they do not require your natural teeth to be shaved down to pegs.
Alternatively, dental crowns are fillings or caps fitted over an existing, filed-down tooth. They’re commonly placed after someone had a root canal to protect the weakened tooth. Dentists only use crowns if the teeth require serious interventions due to cavities or any other signs of damage.
Why Is the “Veneers Check” Trend Dangerous?
Not only is this trend misleading, but it’s encouraging users to undergo this procedure and cause permanent damage to their teeth. It’s critical to understand how irreversible veneers and crowns are. Once the teeth are filed down, there’s no going back. They will need replacement within 20 years, meaning they can eventually become a financial burden.
Always Consult with Your Dentist
You should always consult with a trusted dental professional to determine if these procedures are the best choice for your smile. They may be able to suggest alternative methods that can achieve your desired results.
Next time you see a viral dental trend on TikTok, make sure you do your research and understand what you’re getting into before hopping on the bandwagon. Above all, you should only rely on trusted professionals when it comes to oral health advice – they’ll ensure your teeth are kept happy and healthy for years to come.
About the Practice
At NeoSmile Dental Care, we offer comprehensive services the whole family can enjoy. Whether your child needs a checkup or your smile is in desperate need of repair, we have everything you need in one convenient location. We want all our patients to enjoy a healthy, attractive smile that they can proudly show off. If you have any questions about a new dental trend floating around on TikTok, contact us via our website or call (215) 643-5220.
