Veneers: More Than A Smile Makeover
Beautiful, white, and well-aligned teeth are often seen as a mark of good grooming and confidence, enhancing not only one’s smile but also signalling overall personal hygiene.
It’s no surprise, then, that many—particularly among the younger generation—are willing to invest heavily in cosmetic dental treatments, including veneers.
Veneers are classified as aesthetic dental treatments, primarily aimed at enhancing one’s appearance and boosting self-confidence through an improved smile.
The procedure involves bonding a thin layer—usually made of porcelain or composite—to the front surface of the teeth to conceal imperfections such as discoloration, chips, and minor irregularities.
‘HOLLYWOOD SMILE’
Dental officer Dr Adhwa Anis Zulkarnain said the ‘Hollywood smile’ trend that has emerged in recent times has driven many individuals to seek aesthetic dental treatments, particularly veneers.
She explained that many seek these treatments to achieve white, symmetrical teeth resembling those of Western celebrities, adding that social media influencers and local stars with flawless smiles have further fuelled public interest.
“Dental veneers have become increasingly popular, likely due to their ability to transform one’s appearance.
"This method is one of the fastest and most effective ways to achieve that goal. In just two clinic visits, they can deliver a dramatically improved smile,” she told Bernama.
She added that veneers not only provide long-lasting whiteness but also create a more symmetrical and aligned look—without the extended treatment time or discomfort of braces.
According to her, veneers serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, helping to correct issues such as chipped, broken, decayed, or widely spaced teeth.
“There are two types of veneers commonly used in this treatment—composite and porcelain,” said the owner of Avisienna Dental Care.
“Composite veneers, made from resin material, are more affordable and can typically be applied in a single dental visit.
“Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are crafted from ceramic material, custom-shaped, and then bonded to the front of the teeth for a more natural and aesthetic finish,” she added.
She explained that porcelain veneers are more popular due to their superior aesthetic results and closer resemblance to natural teeth. However, they are significantly more expensive—costing up to RM3,000 per tooth—compared to composite veneers, which generally cost no more than RM500 per tooth.
DEPENDS ON SUITABILITY
Dr Adhwa Anis, a specialist in veneer treatment, cautioned that the procedure is not suitable for everyone, as it depends on the condition and overall health of each individual’s teeth.
She explained that those with dental or gum issues are generally advised against undergoing the treatment.
“Before applying veneers, a dentist will typically assess the condition of a patient’s teeth and gums. Candidates must have healthy oral structures and be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene,” said Dr Adhwa Anis, who has over 13 years of experience in dental care.
“If a patient has severe decay, weak tooth roots, or suffers from bleeding or swollen gums, we usually recommend addressing those issues first to avoid complications,” she added.
She also noted that individuals with excessively gapped, crooked, or overcrowded teeth may not be suitable candidates for veneers.
“Veneers are intended for minor cosmetic corrections and are not designed to address serious orthodontic issues. A qualified dentist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the procedure won’t result in adverse effects.
“For instance, if a patient has severely misaligned or irregular teeth, we would first recommend orthodontic solutions such as braces or aligners before considering veneers,” she added.
IMITATIONS
Dr Adhwa Anis acknowledged that the growing popularity of veneers has also given rise to imitation products, which pose significant risks—particularly when applied by unqualified individuals.
“Fake veneers merely cover the outer surface of the teeth without clinical oversight. They are temporary, unsafe, and can potentially harm the natural structure of the teeth,” she warned.
“Proper veneer installation must follow a set of clinical procedures,” Dr Adhwa Anis explained. “For porcelain veneers, we begin by taking an X-ray of the patient’s teeth. Then, an impression is made and sent to a dental lab, where the porcelain is crafted to match the desired shape.”
“Before placement, we also thoroughly clean the teeth to ensure no tartar remains. Fake veneers skip all of these essential steps, which can lead to tartar buildup, bacterial infections, and ultimately, bad breath,” she added.
BOOSTING SELF-CONFIDENCE
Meanwhile, Dr Adhwa Anis noted that veneers can greatly boost a person’s self-confidence, particularly in social settings.
“Veneers create the appearance of clean, well-aligned teeth, which gives the impression of good oral hygiene. Healthy-looking teeth often reflect an individual’s attention to personal care and overall appearance.
“We also tend to admire people with bright, white smiles—making it, in many ways, an informal standard of beauty,” she added.
— BERNAMA
