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Getting the picture-perfect smile in an instant comes easy in this age, all thanks to cosmetic dentistry. But while this method of professional oral care may appeal to a large market, Dr. Marilou Pacubas, D.M.D, has reasons to discourage you from getting dental cosmetics.

Dr. Pacubas has been practicing cosmetic dentistry for over two decades, after earning her dental degree at the University of the East and undergoing further training abroad.

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Cosmetic dentistry includes procedures ranging from teeth whitening to implants and veneers. It focuses on improving the dental aesthetics and overall smile appearance of a patient, but not necessarily on the functionality of one's teeth, gums and bite. Because of this, Dr. Pacubas strongly feels that vanity is not enough reason to avail of dental cosmetics.

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Dr. Pacubas claims in her exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com, “People here are so amazed with the big teeth and opaque teeth which I dislike. Kasi ginagaya natin 'yung Hollywood smile, nakalimutan natin na Pinoy tayo, na hindi bumabagay sa kulay natin at sa ilong natin.

“So ang ginagawa ng Pilipino, nagpapaputi, nagpapatangos ng ilong. Hindi na naa-address 'yung pagka-Asian mo, hindi na na-a-address 'yung pagka-exotic mo. Part of that is your teeth,” she continues.

According to Dr. Pacubas, getting veneers and availing the other procedures of cosmetic dentistry are turning into a fad. Thus, she believes that one should only proceed with dental cosmetics if there is a valid need for it.

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She says, “If there is something wrong about your smile or your occlusion. To prevent further works on braces. 'Pag kaya naman ng cosmetic, imbis na mag-braces ka, i-cosmetic na lang. Kung light lang 'yung discrepancy sa bite mo, sa occlusion mo. Kung sungki-sungki, kaya 'yan ng veneers. Pero kung ipapasira mo 'yung ngipin mo dahil lang sa simpleng isang ngipin, I think you're crazy even though you have money.

“The command of the practice is we don't destroy perfect teeth, period. The reason why we do veneers is because there are restorations that are failing, because the teeth are deceased. Bakit ka maninira ng something na hindi naman sira,” she further states.

Dr. Pacubas also explains that people who intend to avail dental cosmetics must undergo profiling and education to get the service that best fits their needs and to fully understand what they are signing up for.

Candidates for dental cosmetic needs to be honest about habits, activities and even the nature of work. Other things to consider would be their skin tone, the shape of their face, cheekbones and as well as their nose.

Dr. Pacubas says, “Before cosmetic dentists give their diagnosis, they educate the patient on what will be the outcome, what will be the limitation of whatever prosthetics they are going to do, especially with implants.

“You cannot bite on an apple, you cannot eat corn, you cannot eat anything sticky, you cannot eat directly or chew something because you're wearing ceramics,” she adds to illustrate.

Dr. Pacubas emphasizes that as dentists, their task is to first and foremost preserve teeth.

“Look at it not in a vanity way. Look at it as enhancing your personality. I'm going to enter cosmetics in that aspect,” she concludes.