WASHINGTON — If you have stained or chipped teeth, you might be considering veneers, customized teeth coverings that can restore a photogenic smile without more extensive dental work.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made dental coverings used to hide minor imperfections or to fill in gaps between teeth. Unlike crowns or more invasive dental implants, veneers are almost always considered cosmetic dentistry and generally aren’t covered by insurance. Dentists usually charge between $1,000 and $2,000 per tooth for veneers, with higher prices for those made from porcelain compared with lower-grade materials.
What are the risks of getting veneers from someone who isn’t licensed?
Improper veneer procedures can cause a range of health problems, including severe pain, nerve damage and tooth loss. Patients need to be anesthetized before the enamel is removed from their teeth. “It could be incredibly painful if they’re not anesthetized correctly,” said Dr. Zach Truman, who runs an orthodontics practice in Las Vegas. “You can also go too deep into the tooth and penetrate what’s called the pulp chamber, which contains blood vessels and nerves.”
What are the best ways to find legitimate dental providers?
The American Dental Association (ADA) maintains a website detailing the training and licensing requirements for dentists across the U.S. Most states also maintain websites where you can lookup and verify licensure information and find any past disciplinary actions for dentists and other health professionals.
How can I spot bogus veneer providers online?
One clue: Many individuals performing unlicensed dental work promote themselves on social media as “veneer technicians.” Instead of working out of a dental office, they often perform treatments at beauty salons, hotel rooms or private homes. Some advertise multi-city tours and encourage clients to message them to book an appointment in advance. Much of the appeal of the services is in their pricing, with some offering a full set of veneers for a flat fee of $4,000 or $5,000. That’s less than half of what patients can generally expect to pay at a dental office.
Conclusion
Dental veneers can be a great option for improving the appearance of teeth, but it’s essential to find a legitimate and licensed provider to perform the procedure. Be wary of online advertisements promising low-cost veneers and instead look for providers with proper training and supervision.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of getting veneers from a licensed dentist?
A: Licensed dentists have the proper training and expertise to perform veneer procedures safely and effectively.
Q: What are the risks of getting veneers from an unlicensed provider?
A: Improper veneer procedures can cause a range of health problems, including severe pain, nerve damage and tooth loss.
Q: How can I find a legitimate dental provider?
A: You can search online for licensed dentists in your area, check with your insurance provider for recommendations, or ask friends and family for referrals.
Q: Are veneers covered by insurance?
A: Veneers are generally considered cosmetic dentistry and are not typically covered by insurance.
