If you have stained or chipped teeth, you may be thinking about veneers, custom tooth caps that can restore a photogenic smile without more extensive dental work.
But dentists warn that these expensive cosmetic accessories are at the center of a disturbing trend online: unlicensed practitioners without proper training or supervision are offering low-cost veneers.
These self-proclaimed “veneer technicians” often promote themselves on Instagram and TikTok, promising a full set of veneers for less than half of what dentists typically charge. Some also market their own training courses and certifications for people looking to get into the business.
It’s misleading, health professionals warn — and illegal. All states require that dental work, including veneers, be performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
On Thursday, Georgia law enforcement arrested Brandon Diller, who billed himself to his 158,000 Instagram followers as “Atlanta’s top veneer expert and trainer.” or legal credentials,” according to an arrest warrant from the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.
Here’s what you need to know about veneers and how to avoid fake providers and services:
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made dental covers that are used to hide minor imperfections or to fill gaps between teeth. Unlike crowns or more invasive dental implants, veneers are almost always considered cosmetic dentistry and are generally not covered by insurance.
Dentists typically charge $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth for veneers, with higher prices for those made from porcelain compared to lower-quality materials.
Placing veneers involves removing some of the natural enamel from the tooth and bonding the new covering in place. Because of this process, getting veneers is considered an irreversible procedure, according to the American Dental Association. They are not permanent and are expected to last 5 to 15 years before they degrade and need to be replaced.
In recent months the ADA has been stepping up warnings about the dangers of veneers performed by unlicensed individuals.
“Quality control is lost without the involvement of a licensed dentist,” said Dr. Ada Cooper, a New York-based dentist and ADA spokesperson. “We undergo years of education and training and must be licensed by various regulatory bodies before we can practice.”
What are the dangers of getting veneers from someone who doesn’t have a license?
Improper veneer procedures can cause a number of health problems, including severe pain, nerve damage and tooth loss.
Patients must undergo anesthesia before the enamel is removed from their teeth.
“It could be incredibly painful if they’re not properly anesthetized,” said Dr. Zach Truman, who runs an orthodontic practice in Las Vegas. “You can also go very deep into the tooth and penetrate what’s called the pulp chamber, which contains blood vessels and nerves.”
One of the biggest problems Truman sees with unscreened veneer work is that clients aren’t being screened for existing dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay.
“If you put a veneer on a tooth that has an active cavity, you’re just going to seal it in there and eventually it will progress to tooth loss,” Truman said.
Dental veneers are not the only option for improving the appearance of teeth. Over-the-counter whitening kits can help with minor stains and discoloration. And dentists can sometimes use composite materials to reshape chipped or uneven teeth. But Truman says these sealants are prone to cracking and won’t last as long as veneers.
How can I spot fake veneer providers online?
One thing: Many people who perform dental work without a license advertise themselves on social media as “veneer technicians.”
Rather than working out of a dental office, they often perform treatments in beauty salons, hotel rooms, or private homes. Some advertise multi-city tours and encourage customers to text them to make an appointment in advance.
Much of the services’ appeal lies in their pricing, with some offering a full set of veneers for a flat fee of $4,000 or $5,000. That’s less than half of what patients generally expect to pay at a dental office.
Performing dental work without a proper license is illegal, notes the ODA.
Dentists and hygienists are licensed by state governments, which also define the work that dental assistants can perform. But in all cases, veneers and other dental procedures must be supervised by a licensed dentist.
Earlier this year, Illinois law enforcement arrested a woman who runs a business called Veneer Experts after she posted videos of herself placing braces, veneers and other dental products without a license. He was previously arrested in Nevada on similar charges of practicing dentistry without a license.
What are the best ways to find legitimate dental providers?
The ADA maintains a website detailing the training and licensure requirements for dentists in the U.S. Most states also maintain websites where you can search and verify licensure information and find any previous disciplinary actions for dentists and other health professionals.
“It is very important to understand that dentistry is a regulated health care profession that requires formal training and licensure,” Cooper said.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Education Media Group. AP is solely responsible for all content.
