There’s no shame in sorting your online shopping by lowest price, we’ve all done it. But there’s a time and a place for cheap and your oral health isn’t one of them. A rise in non-certified veneer techs boasting fake licenses and low prices has experts seriously concerned. If you want to keep your smile safe, this is what you need to know.
What Is a Veneer Tech?
To put it clearly: there is no American Dental Association recognized position known as “veneer technician.” These are unlicensed practitioners.
According to Chicago cosmetic dentist Nathan Hoffman, DDS, you could apply this term to anyone who is not qualified to be practicing dental veneer services. “The term ‘veneer tech’ has risen recently with the emerging demand for highly aesthetic Hollywood smiles at super accessible price points,” he explains. “But I see it as anyone unqualified to be practicing dental veneer services. This can even look like going to a general dentist versus going to a cosmetic dentist.”
These unqualified practitioners all have two things in common: a low price point and a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Unfortunately, the unqualified providers performing these cosmetic veneer applications typically use cheap, one-size-fits-all composite veneers or have a significantly lower quality process and product,” Dr. Hoffman says. “High-quality, custom-designed ceramic veneers have a ‘living’ finish, which is realistic, durable and beautiful. Transparently, your result is a direct reflection of your investment in a case like this.”
What it Takes to Be an Expert
It takes more than an internet course to be able to transform a smile with veneers.
“Unlike veneer techs, licensed cosmetic dentists and dental lab technicians undergo years of formal education, hands-on training and certification to ensure the procedure is safe, effective and long-lasting,” Dr. Hoffman explains. “A smile is unique to each individual and veneer treatment directly pulls from smile design, aesthetic dentistry and occlusion (bite alignment).”
Putting your smile in the hands of an expert is key to getting the results you want.
“It is so important to see a cosmetic dentist for this kind of treatment, especially someone who specializes in veneers,” Dr. Hoffman notes. “Getting veneers ‘right’ for each patient’s smile is truly an artistic exercise.”
Consequences of Bad Dentistry
Having a smile you don’t love is far from the only consequence of poor dentistry.
“I am seeing aggressive tooth preparation related to ‘veneer techs,’” Dr. Hoffman says. “Because they lack the required education and understanding of technique, they over-file healthy enamel, which leads to tooth sensitivity, decay and nerve damage. Root canals and extractions are then required.”
In the end, what initially seemed like a cheap way to a new smile becomes serious repair work.
“Bad dentistry, particularly with veneers, can result in poor fit, bite misalignment and even long-term damage,” Dr. Hoffman explains. “You can also lose teeth or have sensitivity in overly drilled teeth. Ultimately, all of these will end up costing more to be fixed in the long term.”
Red Flags to Avoid
Again, the term ‘veneer technician’ is not a licensed position and is not recognized by the ADA. You should steer clear of anyone masquerading as a ‘veneer tech.’ And you can help yourself get the best result from cosmetic dentistry by watching out for a few more key red flags.
Their Portfolio
Ask to see for Before & After cases.
“An experienced, talented cosmetic dentist will be able to show you a portfolio of treated cases that are similar to yours,” Dr. Hoffman explains. “If they can’t show you the results of a case similar to yours, that’s a red flag.”
Veneer Prep
When it comes to veneers, you’ll want to know how much drilling they plan to do.
“My team knows I always say, ‘Show us your prep,’ which means show us how you prepare the tooth,” Dr. Hoffman says. “If a doctor you’re consulting with won’t show you the means of preparation or won’t transparently discuss how much they drill, that’s also a big red flag.
Function, health and aesthetics are core components of veneer treatment that need to be addressed at a consultation.”
Green Flags to Look for
We know you don’t just want to avoid scammers. You want to know how to find the best cosmetic dentist for you.
License, License, License
You should only receive dentistry from someone qualified to do it. That means a practitioner who is a licensed Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). States have differing license requirements, but they all require a degree in dental health from an accredited university as well as written and clinical assessments.
“Finding the right practitioner for veneers is less about achieving a perfect smile and more about trusting someone who prioritizes both aesthetics and oral health,” Dr. Hoffman adds. “A skilled cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist, fully licensed with a DDS or DMD degree, will begin with a comprehensive consultation rather than rushing into treatment. They take the time to examine your teeth, gums and bite alignment, ensuring veneers are the right solution for you.”
Their Portfolio
A large portfolio of cases with Before & After cases is a great green flag to look for.
“I highly suggest you find a doctor that has a large portfolio to show you,” Dr. Hoffman says. “You should trust and have a connection with the treating dentist so that they can give you a 30-year result. That, coupled with strong reviews, is the best indication of cosmetic success and long-term comfort and function.”
Modern Dentistry
These days, experts have access to the very best in dental technology to ensure great results. That doesn’t just mean they have the latest and greatest tech in-office but also access to the highest quality dental labs.
“Technology is a green flag,” Dr. Hoffman says. “Using digital imaging, 3D scanning and CAD/CAM technology, they design veneers that harmonize with your facial structure. High-quality porcelain, ceramic or composite materials sourced from reputable dental labs, ensure a natural look and lasting durability.”
