Growing Trend of DIY Veneers Raises Concerns Among Dental Experts

A troubling trend on social media has prompted dental health professionals to issue warnings against the growing presence of unlicensed “veneer techs” offering cosmetic dental procedures. This trend has particularly gained traction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where self-proclaimed veneer experts advertise their services at significantly reduced rates. According to an article published by Newsweek, authored by Natalie Venegas, health professionals have voiced serious concerns over the risks posed by these unregulated services.

Recent research conducted by prescription company CharityRx revealed that nearly 20% of American adults turn to TikTok before consulting a healthcare professional when seeking medical advice. This surge in interest towards do-it-yourself (DIY) dentistry has led to millions of views for videos promoting at-home solutions and quick fixes to improve the appearance of teeth. Among these trending fixes are dental veneers—a procedure that involves applying custom-made, thin coverings to the front of teeth to hide imperfections, such as chips or discoloration.

The Dangers of Unlicensed Veneer Procedures

These unlicensed individuals, often referred to as “veneer techs,” promise an ideal smile at a fraction of the cost charged by licensed dentists. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) has cautioned that the potential dangers of these low-cost veneer services far outweigh any savings. The ADA has recently increased its efforts to warn the public about the risks associated with veneers performed by unlicensed practitioners.

“Quality control is lost without the involvement of a licensed dentist,” stated Dr. Ada Cooper, a New York-based dentist and ADA spokesperson, in comments provided to the Associated Press. Dr. Cooper emphasized that licensed dental professionals undergo years of rigorous education and training and must be licensed by various regulatory bodies before being allowed to practice. The lack of such credentials among these self-described “veneer techs” raises questions about the quality and safety of the procedures they offer.

As noted in Venegas’ article, veneers are purely cosmetic and typically not covered by insurance. Licensed dentists charge between $1,000 and $2,000 per tooth for the procedure, depending on the material used. Moreover, the application of veneers is an irreversible procedure, as dentists must strip enamel from the teeth before applying the coverings. Although veneers can last between five to fifteen years, improper application by untrained individuals can lead to severe consequences, such as infections, nerve damage, and even tooth loss.

Risks Associated With Improper Application

One of the major issues highlighted by Dr. Zach Truman, an orthodontist based in Las Vegas, is that unlicensed practitioners frequently skip crucial steps, such as correctly administering anesthesia, leaving patients in significant pain. Furthermore, these practitioners may apply veneers over untreated dental issues, such as cavities, which can worsen beneath the veneer and lead to more serious complications.

“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’s going to progress to tooth loss,” Dr. Truman warned.

Licensed dental professionals are trained to assess patients for underlying dental problems before performing veneer procedures, something that unlicensed individuals may neglect. Such negligence can ultimately result in disastrous long-term health consequences for patients.

Law Enforcement Takes Action

The dangers associated with unlicensed veneer procedures are not just theoretical, as demonstrated by recent legal actions taken against those operating without proper credentials. Venegas reported that on Thursday, authorities in Georgia arrested Brandon Diller, an individual who had amassed more than 150,000 followers on Instagram by promoting himself as “Atlanta’s top veneer specialist and trainer.”

According to an arrest warrant from the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, Diller was practicing dentistry without a license and had sold “training and certificates, which were worthless” and “provided no legitimate or legal credentials.” This case underscores the growing concern among health professionals regarding the unregulated nature of these veneer services and the potential harm they pose to unsuspecting individuals seeking low-cost cosmetic dental treatments.

Professional Expertise Is Essential

The DIY veneer trend highlights a larger issue in which individuals turn to social media influencers for medical advice and procedures that should only be performed by licensed professionals. The rise of unlicensed “veneer techs” taking advantage of patients by offering seemingly inexpensive services serves as a cautionary tale for those considering quick fixes without fully understanding the risks involved.

Experts, including Dr. Cooper and Dr. Truman, stress the importance of seeking treatment from licensed professionals who possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safely perform cosmetic dental procedures. While the lower prices and convenience of these unlicensed veneer services may seem tempting, the long-term health risks are substantial, and patients could end up spending far more in corrective procedures than they would have with an experienced dentist.

The ADA and other dental health professionals continue to advocate for increased awareness among the public about the dangers associated with DIY dentistry. As Venegas notes in her article, the involvement of licensed professionals is critical for ensuring patient safety, quality control, and successful outcomes in dental care.

The rise of social media and its influence on health decisions has raised serious concerns, and individuals are urged to approach healthcare choices with caution and rely on licensed experts for medical and dental needs.