How cosmetic veneers are changing the smile standard in aesthetics

Have you noticed that our smiles have changed? Look on social media or in any celebrity magazine, and you’ll see rows upon rows of white, uniform teeth - not a chip or wonky edge in sight. 

The truth is that standards in aesthetic dentistry have never been higher, and the root cause of this shift lies in cosmetic veneers, so what are cosmetic veneers and how are they shaping beauty.

What are cosmetic veneers?

Cosmetic veneers are tooth-like shells placed over the actual teeth of patients. 

Perfectly white and individually shaped, they cover imperfections to create an entire set of picture-perfect teeth for a runway-worthy smile.

From composites to porcelain veneers, each set is entirely customisable. Private dental practices, such as Bespoke Dental Fulham in London, will fit veneers to suit the mouth of the patient for a natural look, with adjustments in the size, shape, and whiteness of each tooth.

The end result? Patients are left with a solution to their dental woes, without the need for whitening, bonding, or any other cosmetic treatments.

Why more people choose veneers over whitening

Between the uptake of veneers vs. whitening vs implants, veneers are seeing an unprecedented surge in popularity. A significant reason for this is the reliability of patient results.

Whitening, for instance, can only brighten your natural enamel, meaning that results vary from person to person and touch-ups are essential. If a patient’s teeth are naturally more yellow or resistant to bleach, they might never hit the shade they’re hoping for. 

Veneers, on the other hand, deliver instant results for permanent dental transformations. As soon as they’re applied to the teeth, they create uniform brightness that won’t fade with coffee, wine, or time. They cover all those little imperfections, too, like chips, gaps, and worn edges, offering an all-in-one solution.

When compared to implants, veneers are far less invasive. Patients can keep their original teeth (albeit shaved down), and there’s no screwing into the gums. The natural roots remain intact, and the veneers act as a cosmetic cover-up.  

For anyone seeking a dramatic upgrade without the long treatment cycles of implants or the inconsistent upkeep of whitening, veneers strike the perfect middle ground.

How cosmetic veneers shape beauty standards

To learn more about changing beauty standards, we first need to look at celebrities and influencers. These are the faces that shape what the rest of the world finds beautiful and dictate cosmetic trends, including veneers.

From the Kardashians and Jenners to Ronaldo and the Beckhams, celebrities around the world are constantly showing off their flawless teeth. These aren’t just white, but perfectly straight and unnaturally uniform - the result of veneers.

For the general population, we’re seeing a knock-on effect in terms of the number of people who want to change their teeth in some way

66% are looking into dental whitening options, while 25% of people getting braces are adults. Invisalign, which is largely used by those between the ages of 18 and 35, has over 21 million customers worldwide, highlighting the sharp increase in adult braces.

These figures are far higher than they were just a couple of decades ago and are linked to that picture-perfect standard set by veneers.

Image confidence and veneers

While there’s nothing wrong with lusting after a flawless set of pearly whites, it’s important to consider the social impact of veneers on confidence and self-image. 

Today’s beauty standards don’t leave room for all the natural fluctuations in teeth, like gaps, varying lengths, and discolouration. The message from the media is clear: to be beautiful, your teeth must be perfect.

This is leading to a widespread uptick in people who worry about the look of their teeth. Almost 90% of under-35s have felt self-conscious about their smile, with social media and TV fueling this epidemic of dental image anxiety.

The truth is that we live in an age of constant comparison. When everywhere you look, you’re seeing beautiful people with rows of perfectly straight, white teeth, it’s not unusual to look at your own with a critical eye. The negative side-effect of this, however, is a growing generation of people who don’t like their smile.

How aesthetic businesses can help anxious patients

With more clients than ever feeling insecure about their teeth, aeshetic businesses are in a unique position to offer reassurance and support.

Many people walk into salons and aesthetic clinics already comparing their smiles to the veneers they see online. How you respond can make an enormous difference to their experience with your business as well as their long-term confidence.

The first tip is to always respond with empathy. When a client expresses concerns about their teeth (whether it’s discolouration, unevenness, or a general anxiety around their smile), it’s important to validate those feelings rather than dismiss them. 

Acknowledge what they’ve shared and let them know they’re not alone, emphasising that a growing number of people have similar concerns. It may sound small, but being listened to and understood can reduce the isolation that social media comparison creates.

Next, move on to education. Your clients might not know there are solutions to their dental concerns or how your team can help. Discuss their options, including whitening, implants, bonding, and - of course - veneers. You’d be surprised how much a little knowledge can ease the anxieties of your customers.

You might offer some of these treatments yourself, in which case, direct them towards the right services. Advise them to book an initial consultation to discuss their options with a specialist. Let them know what they’ll talk about in their appointment, such as:

• Their dental concerns
• The services available that address their concerns
• Before and after results of different dental treatments
• Comparisons of composite and porcelain veneer costs

If you don’t offer aesthetic dentistry treatment, partner with reputable dental clinics that do. When a client comes to you with a concern, you can then confidently guide them towards the right professionals.

Referrals not only protect client well-being, but also highlight just how much your business cares. You’re going the extra mile to ensure they find the services they need, even if they’re not with you. The result? Long-lasting loyalty that increases customer lifetime value.

Final thoughts

Aesthetic professionals play a key part in shaping the confidence of their clients. By arming yourself with the right knowledge, you can better understand their dental concerns and point them in the right direction for high-quality, caring services. We hope these tips have helped prepare you for just that.