Over the past decade, veneers have become an increasingly popular cosmetic dental procedure. As they have become more popular, dental patients have expressed interest in this service. However, as popular as they have become, veneers can be an incredibly costly investment in your smile.
With this expensive dental service has come a dental scam, taking advantage of individuals who want to improve the aesthetics of their smile at a lower cost: veneer technicians. While these individuals offer veneers at a fraction of the price, they do so without the qualifications necessary to perform these services safely.
If you have considered scheduling an appointment with a veneer technician to transform your smile, keep reading to learn why you shouldn’t trust them with your oral health.
What is a Veneer Technician?
A veneer technician is a self-proclaimed expert who claims to provide cheaper, quicker veneer services than a trusted dental office. They often advertise their services on social media, showcasing before-and-after photos and providing seemingly reasonable prices. However, these individuals lack the formal training, credentials, and training to perform these services.
Unlike licensed dentists, technicians don’t undergo the rigorous education and practical, hands-on training required for accreditation. In most cases, they undergo a several thousand dollar, two- to three-day training before providing these services to patients. Cosmetic dentists, conversely, go through four years of training to perform this service.
During this training, dental students learn how to administer veneers without causing damage to your natural teeth. They protect you from excessive enamel loss, which can cause tooth sensitivity, cavity development, and additional damage. Without adequate training, your veneer technician cannot guarantee that they won’t cause permanent damage to your teeth.
Why are Veneer Techs So Popular?
When hearing all of this, you might wonder why veneer technicians are so popular. The main draw for these services is the cost. Traditional veneers can be expensive, often running between $750 and $2,500 per tooth. If you don’t need veneers on every tooth, you may only need to pay a few thousand dollars to transform your smile.
However, a full smile makeover can cost over $30,000 if you need veneers on most or all of your teeth. Veneer technicians offer similar services at a fraction of the cost. The appeal is understandable–cosmetic dental work is often excluded from insurance coverage, and these lower-cost options seem like a shortcut to a beautiful smile.
Additionally, social media influencers promote and glamorize these services, often sharing only the positive results without addressing potential risks. Finally, their accessibility may be appealing to patients. If your dentist can’t get you in for an appointment for several months, while a veneer tech can get you in for an appointment in a few weeks, their services may be more appealing.
The Risk of Visiting a Veneer Technician
While the lower cost and accessibility of services by veneer technicians may seem appealing, there are many risks associated with scheduling with them. Some of the greatest risks of scheduling an appointment with these individuals include:
- Improper Fit: Many veneer techs install veneers without drilling your teeth. While this may seem like a great way to avoid damaging your teeth, it may lead to ill-fitting veneers. You may deal with gum irritation and veneer loss without a proper fit.
- Permanent Tooth Damage: Trained dentists have the training and experience to administer veneers without damaging your teeth. Veneer techs, on the other hand, may remove excessive enamel, which cannot be restored. This permanent damage can lead to developing oral health conditions and tooth extraction in more extreme cases.
- Uninsured Dental Work: When you work with a licensed dentist, you can trust their office has insurance to protect you from harm. However, veneer techs don’t have access to this insurance as they are not a legitimate dental provider. If anything happens during this appointment, you must pay for medical attention or emergency dental care upfront.
- Costly Restorative Care: While veneer techs administer veneers for as little as $1,500, repairing the damage to your teeth can be exorbitant. Whether your teeth need to be pulled or you have to pay for removal, restorative treatments, and the installation of dental implants, remedying these services can cost over $50,000.
How to Spot the Red Flags
Some veneer technicians may do a good job hiding their lack of proper training. However, there are a few red flags you can look for to ensure you aren’t going to these technicians for an upcoming veneer appointment, including:
- Suspiciously Low Prices: If the prices of the veneers seem too good to be true, chances are that this service isn’t being performed by a legitimate practitioner.
- Lack of Accreditation: Many states, including North Carolina, require dentists to display their license and renewal certificates in a conspicuous place for all patients.
- Non-Dental Setting: Veneer work should always be performed in a proper dental office, not a home, salon setting, or temporary space.
- Nonexistent Hygiene Standards: Any reputable dental professional will be transparent about the cleanliness of their facilities. Sometimes, you may even see them cleaning their office, giving you peace of mind that the space is thoroughly clean.
Protect Your Smile with Hendersonville Family Dental
While opting for the cost-saving route may be tempting, remember that dental health is a long-term investment. Veneer technicians may offer an appealing shortcut, but the risks involved far outweigh the short-term benefits. Protect your smile and health by choosing only licensed professionals for cosmetic dental work.
If you’re looking for a dependable cosmetic dentist in Hendersonville, NC, work with our team at Hendersonville Family Dental. With years of training and experience providing comprehensive cosmetic dental services, we’re confident that we can help you achieve your dream smile. When you’re ready to schedule a consultation to begin your veneer journey, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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