Even if you aren’t on TikTok, odds are someone close to you spends too much time on the smartphone app each day watching short videos. It’s an insanely popular social media platform with over 850 million users worldwide, serving as the home to many emerging video trends. Some have even made headlines, but not for the reasons you might think.
Dentists are sounding the alarm on one of the latest dental TikTok trends – the “Veneers Check” challenge – claiming it’s highly misleading and encouraging people to make irreversible mistakes. Learn more about this prime example of dangerous dental trends from your dentist in Newbury Park.
What’s the “Veneers Check” TikTok Trend About?
While scrolling through TikTok, you’re bound to encounter multiple videos of viral dances and songs. However, you may also see “Veneers Check,” which is the latest dental trend to plague the platform. It involves users showing themselves filing down their own teeth in preparation for veneers, without the supervision of a professional.
Dentists are warning people against this trend, claiming that filing down your teeth pre-veneers is highly unnecessary and damaging. One TikTok dentist explained that shaving teeth into stumps is meant for crown preparations – not veneers. What many people don’t realize is that there’s a significant difference between the two.
Why Is “Veneers Check” Dangerous?
The “Veneers Check” trend is extremely dangerous because it can lead to severe and irreversible dental problems. Let’s take a closer look at the negative impact it can have on your pearly whites.
- Long-term responsibility: Contrary to popular belief, veneers and crowns are not permanent solutions to improve your smile. They warrant a replacement every 10-15 years, which can end up being quite the expense when they’re applied at such a young age.
- Irreversible nerve damage: Unlike hair and nails, your enamel won’t grow back once it’s gone. When you file and grind your teeth down, you’re permanently removing the tooth structure, leaving yourself more susceptible to problems like cavities and nerve damage. Without the proper thickness of enamel protecting your teeth, you may experience increased sensitivity or pain.
What’s the Difference Between Dental Crowns and Porcelain Veneers?
Dental crowns and porcelain veneers are two entirely different treatments, used for unique purposes.
Veneers are often used for cosmetic reasons to help patients achieve a beautiful, new smile in just a few appointments. The ultra-thin sheaths of dental-grade porcelain are cemented to the front surfaces of teeth, masking any imperfection from view. Since they require very minimal preparation (if any), your natural teeth will not be shaved down to pegs.
On the other hand, dental crowns encase an entire single, filed-down tooth. They’re often placed over weakened, damaged, or decayed teeth, offering protection against further breakdown. In most cases, dentists will only use a dental crown if a tooth requires serious intervention.
Next time you see a viral dental trend on TikTok, you might want to think twice before hopping on the bandwagon. Ultimately, it’s always best to rely solely on dental professionals for oral health advice. They know what’s best for your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Gary Chaffee earned his dental doctorate from Loma Linda University, and he later became an international instructor for progressive orthodontics, teaching the course to dentists for more than a decade in 15 countries. Influenced by his family dentist and orthodontist from an early age, Dr. Chaffee figured out that he wanted to pursue a career in dentistry sooner than most in his field. He’s a member of the American Dental Association. Dr. Chaffee definitely hopes that you will consult a dental professional before trying to shave down your teeth or do anything drastic to your smile. He is certainly ready to help if you are interested in porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Your first step is to schedule a consultation, which you can do on his website or by calling (805) 480-0033.