DTUS1210

COSMETIC TRIBUNE The World’s Cosmetic Dentistry Newspaper · U.S. Edition g CT page 3C May 2010 www.dental-tribune.com Vol. 3, No. 5 By Sushil Koirala, Nepal A practical approach to smile design Smile Design Wheel Modern trends in cosmetic den- tistry and media coverage of smile makeovers have increased public awareness of dental esthetics. Peo- ple now know that smile esthetics plays a key role in their sense of well-being, social acceptance, suc- cess at work, in relationships and self-confidence. The esthetic expectations and demands of dental patients have increased substantially. Now, a glowing, healthy and vibrant smile is no longer available only to mil- lionaires and movie stars. Therefore, many dentists are incorporating various smile design protocols in their daily practices to meet the increasing esthetic demands of their patients. Smile esthetics A smile is a facial expression that is closely related to the emotions and psychological state of a per- son. A smile is exhibited when a person expresses happiness, plea- sure or amusement.1 It is the most important of facial expressions and is essential in expressing friendli- ness, agreement and appreciation.2 A smile requires the coordination of facial, gingival and dental compo- nents that are stimulated voluntarily or involuntarily by various emotions. It is evident that each smile is dif- ferent and particular to each individ- ual.3 On the other hand, an impaired smile has been associated with high- er incidences of depression.4 Esthetics deals with objective and subjective beauty.5 Objective beauty is based on the appreciable proper- ties possessed by the object itself. However, subjective beauty is rela- tive to the perception and emotion of the observing person. Perception, however, in smile esthetics is based AD The average price dentists charge their patients for porcelain veneers is about $1,100 per tooth, accord- ing to a survey conducted by The Wealthy Dentist, a website offering continuing education and market- ing resources to dental profession- als. In the survey, dentists were also asked to share their thoughts about offering veneers. Responses included the follow- ing: • “I wish I could do them cheap- er, but good lab work and plan- ning takes time and money,” said a Michigan dentist who responded to the survey. • “The fee is not enough for the time it takes,” said another den- tist, from Mississippi. “It is a lot more complicated than a dental crown.” • “Depending upon the number of teeth to be done, I will dis- count my per-tooth fee,” said an Oklahoma dentist who respond- ed to the survey. • “Veneers are almost always placed as multiple units of eight to 10 veneers, making a small discount per unit reason- able and still profitable,” said a North Carolina dentist. The survey noted that porcelain veneers cost about the same as Lumineers, a brand of teeth veneers that have become a popular part of cosmetic dentistry. Yet some den- tists charge significantly more for Lumineers veneers, while others charge significantly less. Prosthodontists in the survey reported charging several hundred dollars more per tooth veneer than general dentists. “We never say ‘crown’ in our prosthodontic practice. Our patients come back and say they ‘just love their new veneers.’ Think about it, crowns are really full veneers,” said a Tennessee prosthodontist. “Veneers are the best tool avail- able for doing an extreme den- tal makeover,” said Jim Du Molin, founder of The Wealthy Dentist. “With veneers, patients can change the size, shape and color of their teeth, giving them the smile of their dreams.” The Wealthy Dentist is located at www.thewealthydentist.com. CT Dentists share their thoughts on veneers By Fred Michmershuizen, Online Editor Fig. 1 What do you charge for porcelain veneers?