If you have stained or chipped teeth, you might consider using veneers, custom dental coatings that can restore a photogenic smile without the need for more extensive dental work.
But dentists warn that these expensive cosmetic enhancements are at the center of a worrying online trend: unlicensed professionals without proper training or supervision offering low-cost veneers.
These self-described “veneer technicians” often advertise on Instagram and TikTok, promising a complete set of veneers for less than half of what dentists typically charge. Some also promote their own training courses and certifications for people who want to get into the business.
Health professionals warn that this is misleading and also illegal. All states require that dental workincluding veneers, are performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Georgia authorities arrested Brandon Diller, who promoted himself to his 158,000 followers on Instagram as “Atlanta’s best dental veneer specialist and trainer.” Diller practiced dentistry without a license and sold “training and certificates that were worthless” and “failed to provide legitimate or legal credentials,” according to an arrest warrant from the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.
Here’s what you should know about veneers and how to avoid fake providers and services:
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made dental veneers used to hide small imperfections or fill spaces between teeth. Unlike crowns or more invasive dental implants, veneers are almost always consider aesthetic dentistry and are generally not covered by insurance.
Dentists typically charge between $1,000 and $2,000 per tooth for veneers, with prices higher for those made of porcelain compared to lower-quality materials.
Placing veneers involves removing part of the tooth’s natural enamel and bonding the new layer in its place. Because of that process, veneer placement is considered an irreversible procedure, according to the American Dental Association. They are not permanent and can be expected to last between 5 and 15 years before they degrade and need to be replaced.
In recent months, the ADA has stepped up warnings about the risks of veneer procedures performed by unlicensed individuals.
Quality control is lost without the involvement of a licensed dentist,” said Dr. Ada Cooper, a New York dentist and ADA spokesperson. “We go through years of education and training and need to be licensed by various regulatory bodies before we can practice.”
What are the risks of receiving veneers from someone who is not authorized?
Improper veneer procedures can cause a variety of health problems, including severe pain, nerve damage, and tooth loss.
Patients need to be anesthetized before removing tooth enamel.
“It can be incredibly painful if you don’t give them proper anesthesia,” said Dr. Zach Truman, who runs an orthodontic practice in Las Vegas. “You can also go too deep into the tooth and penetrate what is called pulp chamber, which contains blood vessels and nerves”.
One of the biggest problems Truman sees with unregulated veneer work is that clients do not undergo examinations for existing dental problems, such as gum disease and cavities.
“If you put a veneer on a tooth that has active decay, you will simply seal it off and over time it will progress to tooth loss,” Truman said.
Dental veneers are not the only option to improve the appearance of your teeth. The kits over the counter whitening They can help with minor stains and discoloration. And dentists can sometimes use composite materials to reshape chipped or uneven teeth. But Truman says those fillings are prone to cracking and won’t last as long as veneers.
How can I identify fake dental veneer suppliers online?
Here’s a hint: Many people who perform unlicensed dental work market themselves on social media as “veneer technicians.”
Instead of working in a dental office, they often perform treatments in beauty salons, hotel rooms or private homes. Some advertise multi-city tours and encourage customers to message them to book an appointment in advance.
Much of the appeal of these services lies in their prices: Some offer a complete set of veneers for a flat fee of $4,000 or $5,000, less than half of what patients typically expect to pay at a dental office.
Performing dental work without a proper license is illegal, the ADA notes.
Dentists and hygienists are licensed by state governments, which also define the work they can do. perform dental assistants. But in all cases, veneers and other dental procedures must be supervised by a licensed dentist.
In early 2024, Illinois law enforcement authorities arrested a woman who ran a business called Veneer Experts after she posted videos of herself applying braces, veneers, and other dental products without a license. She had previously been arrested in Nevada on similar accusations of practicing dentistry without a license.
What are the best ways to find legitimate dental providers?
The ADA maintains a website that details training and licensing requirements for dentists throughout the United States. Most states also maintain websites where you can search and verify licensing information and find past disciplinary actions. for dentists and other health professionals.
It is really critical to understand that dentistry is a regulated healthcare profession that requires formal training and licensure,” Cooper said.
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