Beware of Cheap Veneers
Thousands of people want to improve the look of their smiles. Some simply hate the look of their teeth and wish they could get veneers to improve yellow, heavily decayed, and generally “bad teeth.” The treatment has grown in popularity in recent years, with an estimated 600,000 people receiving it yearly.
But many are not in a position to pay the hefty price tag. With dental veneers starting from £900 per tooth for porcelain veneers, improving four teeth would still cost over £3,000. And while finance can help many more patients on a budget receive their dream treatment, it’s simply not right for everyone.
Sadly, this has meant that many people have chosen to flee abroad to receive “veneers,” purchase “clip-ins,” or even engage in some shady practices.
For example, right now in the US, hundreds of patients are filing down their teeth and having large crowns glued to the front, with some places offering to fit 20 veneers for just $1,500. But it’s not just in the US, we need to worry about these kinds of practices.
“Certified dentists” offering cheap veneer procedures out of the back of hair salons are on the rise, with only a certificate and three days of training. And as you can imagine, the results aren’t great. Patients experience the veneers falling out just days later, and others suffer from swollen mouths as bacteria get stuck behind the prosthetics, causing the teeth to rot.
The above screenshot, taken from the Daily Mail covering the story about the scandal in the USA, shows how one individual’s teeth rot away after getting veneers. According to the Daily Mail, it’s not clear whether an illegal technician placed these veneers. Still, caution is recommended for anyone considering cheap veneers that feel too good to be true.
While scandals like this were rare in the UK, we thought it was important to write about them because they remind us of all the horror stories we hear about patients travelling to Turkey. For example, take a look at this couple’s story: “I flew to Turkey with my girlfriend to have £4k veneers fitted—friends said it wouldn’t hurt, but it’s ruined our lives. We’re still in pain months later.”
We hope that sharing these stories helps patients think twice before seeking cheap veneer treatment unless opting for composite veneers, which are not porcelain and are generally offered at a lower price.
We invite patients to educate themselves about cosmetic procedures before rushing forward because they feel insecure about their smile. In Turkey, you won’t receive veneers but dental crowns—and it’s important to learn the distinction between the two treatments. Willingly choosing to have dental crowns over veneers means you’ll lose vital tooth structure that you’ll never, ever get back.
Who can place veneers?
In the US, these veneer technicians who offer to fit veneers at a fraction of the cost are popping up out of nowhere. It’s important to note that while they may be able to show you certification, they are not dentists – and when you’re planning on a big, permanent cosmetic procedure like veneers, you should always ensure your treatment is with a cosmetic dentist, who in the UK, will be regulated by the BACD, CQC and GDC.
Bear in mind that it is also illegal for anyone without a license to operate in dentistry, including fitting veneers. The license can only be obtained after attending dental school, which requires a minimum of four years of study and passing numerous exams.
