Excessive Use of Veneers

Are you concerned about overtreatment?

Dr Gordon Christensen is one of the most respected dental lecturers and educators in the dental profession. Dr. Christensen’s concerns should be carefully considered by dentists and the general public. The following is a summary of an article by Gordon J. Christensen DDS MSD PhD. titled:

“I have had enough”

“I was one of the original instigators of the recognition of esthetic dentistry, over 25 years ago. However my pet subject has turned into a monster with unbelievable overtreatment of unsuspecting patients.”

“Dentists are actually being taught by popular speakers on how to do the same overtreatment to their patients.”

“…oral overtreatment in the name of esthetic dentistry without total informed consent of patients, primarily for the dentist financial gain, is nothing less than overt dishonesty in its worst form.”

This dentist is asking his fellow professionals to “wake up” and think about what they are being taught or sold as it may be incorrect or wrong for an individual patient. His article is a warning that some dentists are not doing what is best for the patient, they are doing what makes them the most money.

More Concerns about Overtreatment

Dr. Peter Dawson is another leader in the field and his concern for offering patients the best care is very clear. His comments support the idea that orthodontic care is superior to “instant makeovers” using porcelain veneers and crowns. The following are excerpts from an interview with Dr. Peter E. Dawson in DT, Oct. 2007:

“Repositioning teeth is almost always a better option than unnecessary restorations. Whitening procedures can often eliminate value of laminates (veneers) on teeth that can be made beautiful without restorations. ”

“But the problem of overtreatment goes far beyond adding expense. Overtreatment can, and often is harmful to patients.”

Translated into layman’s terms, some dentists are using veneers when orthodontics combined with reshaping and whitening would be the better choice. That’s our opinion too!

This is a graphic photograph of a patient’s teeth prepared for full porcelain veneers. It shows the amount of damage necessary to use this cosmetic technique. There are more conservative veneer preparations, but none can compete with the orthodontic and whitening alternatives when tooth preservation is concerned.