Your Best Self Blog

In Search of the Not-too-perfect Smile

BY: Dr Jonathan Scharf

Have you ever been blinded by someone’s artificially white, perfect smile? In the 1980s and early ’90s, with the advent of in-office whitening as well as at-home whitening kits, there was no such thing as “too white” when it came to teeth.

These days, however, I’ve noticed the current in-demand style is a beautiful but more natural smile -- not just in colour, but also in shape and size. It’s easy to get such a smile with veneers, which are wafer-thin coatings made of porcelain, ceramic or another bonding material that is permanently affixed to the front of teeth. But before you sign up, here are the top two considerations I advise you to think about:

Learn to appreciate imperfection. One of the newest cosmetic improvements is what we’re calling “couture veneers,” which are crafted with subtle variations in colour, as well as a blend of transparency and opacity -- creating teeth that look real and alive. We also texturise the surface of each tooth slightly to break up the light for a more natural look. It’s all about looking youthful -- and less about perfection.

Don’t base your decision on a bargain. If you’re considering veneers, visit the Australian Dental Association website for a list of accredited doctors in your area. Ask for referrals from friends, and don’t choose based on price, which could range from $1600 to $2500 a tooth, depending on where you live in Australia. The cost is based on the skill of the clinician as well as the laboratory that makes the veneers. So what seems like a steal may simply reflect a lack of experience. You want someone who takes your lifestyle and aesthetic goals into consideration -- and who understands that Jim Carrey teeth aren’t for everyone.