Veneers are an excellent way to conceal imperfections in your teeth. However, the cost of getting them can be prohibitive for some people. While searching for affordable options, some people discovered convincing veneer technicians on social media. They promised a great smile at an even better price but a lot of their customers found out that it was all a deception.
In the last few months, more and more people have been posting on social about earning their certifications as veneer techs. These certifications are supposed to allow them to install veneers specifically but at a much lower cost than a dentist’s office. Since veneers are usually expensive, these people were able to trump up quite a bit of business.
Unfortunately, these certifications are fake and don’t give anyone the right license to perform dental procedures. Depending on the state, they may also face legal action. Though this has only happened to one person so far, more and more social media users are questioning the validity of the veneer techs that come up.
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According to one user who decided to drive seven hours to Houston for veneers, doing so was a terrible decision. She paid $1,500 upfront and received her veneers after making the trip. Though she was initially happy with the results, the veneers barely made it three hours into her trip back.
While the veneer tech sent her a DIY kit to help, the veneers wouldn’t stay on. In the end, she had to see a licensed dentist to repair the damage as the unlicensed tech filed her teeth to install the veneers.
Dentists have a lot to say about these techs, though, as minor dental damage may be unavoidable. That’s because only licensed dentists are allowed to purchase the equipment and products that are necessary to perform veneer work.
As a result, veneer techs use utensils that are meant for nails or low-budget items they find online.
Since these techs don’t have the relevant training to sterilize their equipment properly or to thoroughly assess your teeth, you could also end up with a serious infection.
If you have a cavity or an infection, a dentist is trained to handle it while a veneer tech may place the veneer over the
tooth anyway. With nowhere to go, the infection can spread into your bloodstream and cause serious health problems.
Though the statistics show that there’s been a reduction in the poverty rate for Black people, 21 percent of Black Americans are still living below the national poverty level.
Furthermore, many of them are bringing in between 55 and 75 percent of the income of their white counterparts. With money being an issue, Black people will be interested in pursuing affordable health and dental care. In fact, a number of the people who have come forward in the fake veneer tech scam have been people of color.
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The first option for getting affordable veneers is finding the right type. Porcelain and porcelain laminate veneers are the most expensive but also last longer. They can cost up to $2,500 per tooth.
In comparison, composite resin veneers can cost $800 per tooth on average. They don’t last as long as porcelain veneers but are a reasonable alternative depending on the state of your teeth.
Another possibility is to explore available discounts from facilities that are either new or are having a slow season. Finally, it can help to ask your dentist about payment plans or other financing options where you can pay for the procedure over time.
Professional veneers can indeed be expensive but putting your teeth in the hands of fake veneer techs can put your health at risk. If you want affordable veneers, it’s better to work with a licensed dentist to develop a payment plan or discount for the right kind.
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