Growing trend of dental cosmetic procedures is worrying

With weekly TV programmes in the Middle East showing dentists giving people the pearly-whites of their dreams, the attraction of a quick-fix cosmetic smile makeover such as dental veneers, rather than prolonged improvement through natural alignment, can be a very attractive option for many busy professionals. But, as Dr Raj Kumar, speaker at Dentistry Middle East 2011 explains, the worrying trend for unnecessary cosmetic dental veneers, carried out on healthy teeth for the sake of a smile makeover, can do more harm than good. Dr Raj Kumar will be speaking at the third Dentistry Middle East Exhibition and Conference, the Middle East’s largest gathering of dental professionals, which will run from Nov. 1-3, 2011, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), with more than 30 leading experts in the field of dentistry highlighting the educational significance of the event. “Traditionally veneers have represented one of the best cosmetic dentistry options for people wanting whiter teeth or who want to camouflage spaces between ‘gappy’ or overcrowded teeth,” says Dr Kumar. “However, having veneers on your teeth is a permanent solution and the veneers will need to be replaced after a period of time.” “Some dentists routinely remove at least 1.5mm of the outer enamel to create space for veneers. This can lead to a number of complications such as pulpitis, tooth fracture, veneer failure due to the loss of the enamel surface, gingivitis or gingival recession. Once you trim down a tooth you reduce its life expectancy.”Instead, Dr Kumar recommends the patient does their homework before opting for veneers and considers the less-invasive options available in today’s market. Treatment such as Invisalign, for example, straighten teeth without the need for metal braces or tooth extraction using instead a series of clear, plastic “aligners” which slowly move teeth over time using individual virtual 3D treatment.“While the total treatment time with this less invasive method of achieving a “Hollywood smile” can take from nine to 15 months, ultimately this treatment is more comfortable and the patient will avoid causing irreplaceable damage to their teeth,” explains Dr Kumar. “To recreate that “Hollywood smile”, at the end of the treatment the teeth can be safely whitened if the patient so desires.”Dr Kumar also advises to watch out for unqualified dentists. “It is very difficult to know how good your dentist really is as anyone can print a certificate. Sometimes a good measure is to see if the dentist can spot the patients’ cosmetic problem without being shown it. This shows that the dentist has experience and is looking at details when carrying out an examination. The best thing is to be shown before and after cases that the dentist has carried out.” Prof Dr Asmat Lone, chairman of the Advisory Board for Dentistry Middle East 2011, says: “Cosmetic dentistry is becoming extremely popular in the Middle East as the middle and upper class want their smiles to look perfect. Missing teeth are also becoming a major problem in the Middle East as people are loosing teeth due to decay and trauma.  The teeth have to be replaced and implantology is becoming the first choice.” Crafted by Informa Exhibitions, the organisers of the annual Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, Dentistry Middle East 2011 is an opportunity for delegates to attend a selection of workshops in various dental specialities which will provide a strong clinical aspect to the conference.The event is supported by the UAE Ministry of Health and the Dubai Health Authority. Running beside the conference is a major exhibition showcasing a wide range of products including imaging software, impression materials, hand instruments and implant. Trade visitors have unlimited access to the exhibition, and may register their participation at any time prior or during the event. From / Gulf Today