You’re not alone in putting off your next visit to the dentist.

Much like how Capetonians always talk about grabbing that mythical drink with a friend they haven’t seen in a while, we’re also very good at pushing out our next appointment.

Look, we get it, but sometimes you actually do have to prioritise the health of your teeth, unlike catch-up drinks with someone you now only know via their annoying Facebook posts.

To start, let’s talk about “virgin” teeth.

Dentists have loads of jargon that the layperson may not be aware of. One of the most surprising terms used by dentists is “virgins”. This refers to teeth that have not yet been drilled or otherwise damaged by dental work. In other words, they are perfectly healthy teeth that have not yet been buggered up by the dentist! 

It is not a joke; this is serious stuff.

While it may sound like an off-colour joke, the term is actually used quite seriously by dentists all over the world. After all, every time a tooth is drilled or filed down, there is a risk of causing damage that could lead to further problems down the road. As a result, virgins are highly prized by ethical dentists and should be treated with the utmost care. Unfortunately, not all dentists follow this philosophy of minimally invasive dentistry or, in many cases today, non-invasive dentistry.

If you are considering porcelain veneers as part of a Hollywood Smile makeover, you might want to think twice. 

Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain bonded to the front of your teeth. They can cover up misshapen or discoloured teeth and make small teeth look more prominent.

When veneers are applied, your Enamel is drilled away from your teeth. This can weaken your teeth and make them more susceptible to damage. In some cases, the damage caused by veneers is so severe that the teeth need to have root canal treatment, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Additionally, porcelain veneers can fall out or break, and they often require extensive and costly dental work to repair.

Veneers also make it difficult to eat certain foods as they are so thin. They can crack or chip if you bite into something hard. And once they are damaged, they can be very difficult to repair.

The general consensus in 2022 is while porcelain veneers might give you a Hollywood-worthy smile, they are not worth the risk and should be your last resort. There are a number of other ways to achieve a beautiful smile without drilling away your Enamel.

“Orthodontics with veneers a bad choice,” says Dr Clifford Yudelman, founder and principal dentist at OptiSmile in Sea Point Cape Town. 

There are other, more effective options available for orthodontic treatment and patients should consult with an orthodontist or dentist skilled in clear aligner therapy to find the best option for them.

Veneers are undoubtedly irreversible

Once the tooth is shaved down, it cannot be unshaved, and you will need to continue getting veneers for the rest of your life. When considering veneers, be aware that this is a lifelong decision that could weigh heavily in the future.

Before you get veneers, it is important to know six things:

1. The cost
2. How long they will last
3. The risks involved.
4. How much Enamel will be drilled away from each tooth
5. Will top-quality E-Max glass ceramic be used or a generic material
6. What are the alternatives

In future articles, we will ask Dr Yudelman about whitening teeth and why veneers are the worst way to whiten teeth.

He will also answer our questions regarding great ways to straighten your teeth invisibly and comfortably using clear aligners such as Invisalign.

Lastly, we will explore the latest way to repair broken, worn, eroded, or chipped teeth without drilling away more precious Enamel for veneers.

This is called Injection Moulded Composite Bonding and is a very exciting latest addition to the cosmetic dentistry available to save your Enamel and treat your teeth in a non-invasive way.