A trend circulating on TikTok has dentists worried patients are putting their teeth and health at risk.
So-called “veneer technicians” promise a brilliant white smile at a discount. However, many patients who have visited are left with shoddy work that requires painful and expensive repairs from a dentist. It’s no surprise that many of these technicians claim certification after taking a brief, unlicensed online course — and often operate illegally.
The increase in interest around veneers is something Karine Barizon, DDS, MS, associate professor of restorative dentistry at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, has noticed among patients. “I think the demand is increasing for veneers for appearance and aesthetics, driven by social media,” Barizon said. “We’ve seen more patients coming into our dental clinics on campus who are more aware and have a certain expectation of wanting veneers.”
Barizon also notes that the American Dental Association recently came out warning patients about the dangers of veneer technicians. “Patients need to seek care only from licensed dentists when looking for a procedure like dental veneers,” she said.
In the following Q&A, Barizon discusses the different types of veneers, health-first options for cosmetic procedures and the risks veneer technicians pose to their customers' health.