Teeth Trends Gain Popularity Thanks to TOWIE Stars

Veneers and teeth whitening are ways to get a bright smile from your dentist. These techniques have gained some popularity over the last couple of years in particular due to some celebrity recognition in England.

The actors of The Only Way Is Essex, a popular British reality soap, are known for their dedication to current health and fashion trends. When their attention turned to their teeth, co-stars Chloe Sims, Joey Essex, and wedding singer James Argent decided to meet with cosmetic dentists to discuss ways to improve the cosmetic quality of their smiles.

Dental Veneers

Also called a dental porcelain laminate, a veneer is a thin shell that has been custom-made to be bonded to the front of a tooth in order to change its length, shape, color, or size for cosmetic reasons. A veneer may be made of porcelain or a resin composite. The porcelain veneer has the advantage of looking more like a natural tooth and resisting stains better. On the other hand, a resin veneer is thinner and the dentist has to remove less of the tooth surface in order to secure it in place. Most dentist recommend only having veneers fitted to upper front teeth, since the process is more likely to disrupt tooth structure and tissue on the lower teeth.

Veneers do not last forever. They require a dentist’s care for the entirety of their life, which is usually about ten years. After this, they must be removed and replaced by a dentist. Since your teeth have to be altered in order for the veneers to be put in place, you can never go back to your original look. For this reason, many dentists recommend considering other methods of tooth correction first. Braces, aligners, or composite bonding are more effective in the long run for straightening teeth; however, from a cosmetic standpoint, veneers are the fastest and most effective way to transform your smile.

After getting veneers, it is important to continue to practice regular oral hygiene. Brush and floss twice daily and visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings. Avoid drinks that may stain your new teeth, such as coffee, tea, and wine. It is also important to keep from grinding your teeth or chewing ice or hard candies. Veneers cannot be repaired if they are cracked or chipped.

Chloe Sims and Joey Essex chose to have veneers put in place. Judging by their tweets and the brightness of their smiles, they both found the procedure to be successful. Both stars have been proudly showing off their new teeth in the months since.

Tooth Whitening

James Argent opted for a tooth whitening procedure rather than veneers, and was happy with his results. For fans, tooth whitening may be a more economical option, as it is a much less expensive process. Tooth whitening may be a satisfactory substitute for veneers, since you can do it effectively over the course of a couple of weeks with at-home treatments prepared by the dentist. Dentists also offer laser whitening, which produces results immediately and is very effective. Alternatively, you may choose over-the-counter whitener products that can diminish stains and brighten teeth.

Talk to your dentist about whether you are a good candidate for veneers or tooth whitening processes. Whichever course you choose, always keep in mind that a good oral hygiene routine is critical for maintaining the beautiful smile you and your dentist achieve.