Veneers have become a popular choice for anyone looking to enhance their smile. If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, it’s likely that videos of so-called “veneer technicians” have popped up. They promise a gorgeous, perfect smile with a low price tag. You may have also come across advertisements for “veneer tech” certification courses, promising a fulfilling career track and an easy way to cash in on the trend. The truth is, “veneer techs” aren’t real. The term is misleading and an attempt to mask the reality; a “veneer technician” is illegal dentistry that can result in costly repair work and worse, damage your dental health.
At Eriks Dental Group, we are passionate about providing professional dental services. Your health and your family’s health matter to us. Please read carefully to avoid the latest cosmetic scam.
How To Avoid Veneer Scams: 5 Things You Need To Know
While the benefits are as shiny as the veneers themselves, don’t fall victim to the “veneer tech” scam. Learn the risks and health hazards of paying money for illegal dentistry.
1. Veneers are permanent.
The first thing you need to know about veneers is that they are permanent. While this is a huge benefit, it’s also a huge red flag. An unlicensed “tech” can cause irreparable damage to your oral health. Plus, you’ll have no recourse, even after you’ve spent potentially thousands of dollars because many of these “techs” are self-employed, and even if they aren’t, without valid licensing, the state won’t be required to take any action.
2. Professional dentists are licensed.
Like any other medical professional, dentists must obtain specialized degrees. At a minimum, they go through eight years of higher education, and then face more training before they are allowed to practice. In addition to the years of schooling and experience, dentists must be licensed by the state in which they practice.
On the other hand, part of the viral “veneer tech” scam is the “certification” process. In comparison to eight rigorous years of highly specialized education, a “veneer tech certification” can be completed in as little as two-days. If you see an individual online showing their printed certificate, it’s a red flag.
3. Composite resin or porcelain is the only material veneers should be made of.
Once a dentist has finished school and obtained a license number, they’re identifiable through a database called National Provider Identifiers (NPI). The license number is required to purchase the necessary materials for veneers through licensed dental product suppliers.
A trained dentist would never dream of placing permanent fixtures in your mouth that aren’t high-quality, proven to be efficient, certified medical-grade, and most importantly safe to use. Placing veneers require special techniques to avoid damaging the teeth underneath and, really, the customizable shaping is a true art form. Scammers can purchase “veneer kits” from online storefronts that utilize non-medical grade materials. We can’t think of a bigger red flag.
4. Don’t fall for the low price tag.
One way veneer scams work is by promising the benefits and the results with a much lower price tag. In part, this is why the scam has become such a viral trend.
However, the initial low price tag can result in double or triple the cost in repairs. A licensed dental office will have an established insurance policy protocol, including the option to use Care Credit. They’ll know the ins and outs of your insurance provider, so you won’t be stuck paying more than once.
5. The ADA warns against veneer scammers.
In the dentistry world, the American Dental Association represents the dental profession. In May 2024, they issued a statement warning against “veneer tech scams”, noting that unlicensed dental work can lead to potential infection, irreversible nerve damage, and potential choking hazards during the procedure.
What Are Veneers?
In recent years, veneers have become an accessible and viable way to correct any tooth flaws. They offer uniformity in shape, size, and coloration. They’re shell-like pieces made of composite resin or porcelain, shaped to fit your mouth.
Benefits Of Professional Veneers
One reason veneers have become so popular is because of the cosmetic benefits they can provide.
1. Customizable
The customization of color and shape they offer means you can have the personalized smile you’ve always dreamed of. A properly trained and experienced dentist will create the veneers to fit your mouth size and shape, so you won’t have to worry about your new smile looking unnatural.
2. Whiter Smile
Though teeth whitening services are extremely effective at removing deep stains, veneers provide more stain resistance than natural teeth. Plus, with veneers, a whiter smile could be only one office visit away. For some, this is the biggest benefit. So much so that many ex-tobacco users have turned to veneers as a way to permanently whiten their teeth.
3. Conceal Damage
If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, veneers offer a great solution for concealing them. Because each veneer is adhered to the existing tooth surface, any type of visible tooth damage is (visually) erased.
4. Natural Look
Because of the composite resin or porcelain material, veneers look more like natural teeth. Plus, with the customization options of shade and shape, it’s easier to mold them in ways that mimic the natural curves of your teeth.
6. Durable
Porcelain veneers provide the most durability and longevity, as they can last up to fifteen years when well maintained. Although composite veneers don’t often last as long (around seven years), both are viable options that provide durable and long lasting solution that other types of tooth enhancements cannot.
7. Minimally Invasive
The process of getting veneers is one of the most minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures you can have. First, an initial consult is required to see if you are a good candidate. Then, teeth impressions are made so the veneers can be customized. When it’s time to place them, a small amount of enamel is removed from your natural teeth and the veneers are bonded to the front of each tooth.
Safe, Professional Veneer Services in Boynton Beach
At Eriks Dental Group, there’s nothing we dislike more than misinformation regarding oral health. That’s why we’ve taken the time to provide everything you need to know about this latest scam.
We love our clients and look forward to seeing the whole family for years to come. If you’re considering veneers, give us a call, 561-733-4004 and book a professional consultation to get started.