In cosmetic dentistry, it’s easy to say yes. Patients come in wanting a quick transformation, and it’s tempting to give them exactly what they ask for. But true dental care is about integrity, about thinking beyond today.
At Veda Dentistry, I believe that a smile makeover should be not only beautiful but also healthy and long-lasting. Sometimes, the best treatment isn’t the fastest one, and saying no can be the most important thing we do for our patients.
A patient from Dubai came to me hoping for a fast veneer smile makeover. She had severely crowded teeth and a Class III bite, meaning her upper teeth were positioned behind her lower teeth. She wanted to leave with a perfect smile before returning home.
It was clear she wanted the aesthetic result quickly, but as I examined her, I knew veneers alone wouldn’t give her the outcome she really deserved.
In her case, placing veneers would have required aggressive trimming of healthy tooth enamel. Even if we achieved a beautiful appearance, her bite issues would remain, putting the veneers under constant stress. This could lead to chips, cracks, and the need for additional dental work down the line.
Simply put, veneers would have looked good temporarily, but they wouldn’t have created a truly healthy, lasting smile.
I recommended starting with orthodontic treatment using aligners first. This approach would:
Correct her bite naturally
Align her teeth without unnecessary trimming
Preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible
Once her teeth were properly aligned and her bite corrected, we could revisit the option of minimal-prep veneers, only if she still wanted them. This way, her smile could be both beautiful and strong, without compromising her dental health.
She trusted my guidance and chose orthodontic treatment first. Over time, her bite and alignment are improving, creating a solid foundation for a smile that will last for years.
At Veda Dentistry, my goal isn’t just to give patients a smile they love in the mirror, it’s to create smiles that are functional, healthy, and built to stand the test of time. Saying no when necessary is part of that commitment, and it’s a decision that ultimately protects the most important thing, your natural teeth.