Five White Lies of Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental News

AOL's website for money and financial matters --DailyFinance.com-- recently reported on five secrets of the cosmetic dentistry industry which is estimated at $2.75 billion in the US alone, with the most common cosmetic-related dental procedure being veneers estimated by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) at over $371 million.

DailyFinance.com suggested that before you plunk down cash to a dentist for a cosmetic-related dental procedure (especially veneers), here are five secrets (a.k.a. "little white lies") the dental industry would rather you didn't know:

White Lie # 1: There Is No Specialty Known As "Cosmetic Dentistry."

Any general dentist can call herself a "cosmetic dentist." Since cosmetic dental procedures are such big ticket items, general dentists have resisted efforts to have the procedures designated as a specialty, which would require certification and training. Patients are left to try to figure out who is really qualified.

White Lie # 2: Not All Dentists Who Perform Cosmetic Procedures Have Advanced Training.

Not all dentists who hold themselves out as "cosmetic dentists" have significant advanced training in the procedures they will be performing, but such training exists. Meaningful credentials include accreditation by the AACD or extensive training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, the Pankey Institute, the Dawson Academy, the Kois Center or the Spear Education Center.

There are currently fewer than 350 dentists and laboratory technicians accredited by the AACD, was only 53 of them holding the highest credential no one has a 'Accredited Fellow'.

White Lie # 3: The Dental Laboratory That Makes The Veneers Is As Important As The Dentist.

Patients considering cosmetic procedures should be as focused on the lab as they are on the dentist as the porcelain veneers that will define your smile will probably not be fabricated at your dentist's office. They are usually sent to outside laboratories specializing in this kind of work. There is a vast difference in the quality of work done by these labs. According to Bob Clark, president of Williams Dental Laboratory, a high-quality lab will employ technicians with training similar to the training required for highly qualified cosmetic dentists, and will work in close partnership with the dentist.

White Lie # 4: Your Cosmetic Dentist May Be Using a Foreign Or Non-Certified Laboratory.

Many dentists use laboratories located in China or in other foreign countries. These laboratories offer far lower prices than U.S.-based labs. The lower cost isn't always passed on to patients. Furthermore, foreign labs may not use FDA-approved materials. Some crowns and bridges manufactured abroad have been found to contain lead. The American Dental Association and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, however, are not concerned. They believe the "trace amounts" of lead are "extremely unlikely to cause adverse health effects."

If your dentist is using a foreign laboratory, you have a right to know. Just because he sends his work to an address based in the U.S. doesn't necessarily mean it's not being outsourced to China or Mexico. If this is a concern, ask your dentist to show you "point of origin" and "list of materials" used for your lab work. This information should be maintained in your patient records, although in most states it is not required to be.

White Lie # 5: There Are Risks To Having Porcelain Veneers Placed On Your Teeth.

The advantages of porcelain veneers are compelling but they can be damaged or worn down over time, and may need to be replaced. By reducing the tooth structure, the tooth is more vulnerable to trauma or sensitivity. In extreme cases, root canal therapy may be required.

While cost isn't technically a risk, the procedure is very expensive. Industry experts advise patients to expect to pay a qualified cosmetic dentist from $1500 to $2500 per tooth. "Cheap" can be very expensive. A cosmetic dentist charging $800 a tooth is probably not using a first class laboratory and may be inexperienced. You could be very disappointed with the results.