With social media placing added pressure to be camera-ready 24/7, many have turned to veneers as a way to achieve the perfect smile.

But with the price of a full set of veneers ranging anywhere from $7,200 to $20,000, many patients hesitate to even step foot inside a dentist’s office.

Armed with a certificate and the power of low-cost social media marketing, so-called “veneer techs” claim they can deliver the same smile for a fraction of the cost, with some advertising prices starting at only $1,500.

In an age when non-medical estheticians can (legally) perform similar procedures as dermatologists and “lash techs” and “nail techs” promote their services across social media, it’s easy to understand why some may be led to believe that “veneer techs” are a viable option for their aesthetic dental needs. But they’re not.

Check out this example of one of the many complaints on TikTok about the work of veneer techs:

It’s illegal in many states for a veneer tech to install veneers on someone’s teeth. And three dentists HuffPost spoke to warn that getting veneers from a “veneer tech” rather than a qualified dentist can have massive repercussions for your oral health.

“Certificates claiming to qualify individuals as ‘veneer techs’ outside of licensed dentistry should be approached with great caution,” said Dr. Jimmy Londono, a Georgia-based dentist and professor at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. “These certificates likely do not provide the comprehensive training and legal authority necessary to perform dental procedures and are not equivalent to the education required for licensed dentists who provide veneer services.”

While dentists are required to complete at least eight years of rigorous education, pass national board examinations and fulfill state-specific licensing and continuing education requirements, many veneer techs may have only completed a two-day or online training course.

“Anyone can complete a two-day training course that typically costs anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000, after which these techs receive certificates of completion. The problem is that these certificates do not certify them to perform dental work,” said Dr. Jodi Danna, a Texas-based dentist and member of the Texas Dental Association Board of Directors. “You have no way of knowing that [veneer techs] have knowledge on proper sterilization techniques, medication management and technique choices.”

Additionally, when you visit a dentist rather than a veneer tech, you can rest assured that they are using the correct tools and materials to craft your new smile.

“Licensed dentists have National Provider Identifiers they use at licensed dental supply stores to buy products and instruments,” Danna said. “However, there are many industries (e.g., nail suppliers, spas) that use similar products like acrylic for their procedures as well. Others buy kits off sites like Amazon and Temu.”

Let this dentist explain it to you herself:

Many veneer techs offer a type of veneer called “non-prep” or “no prep,” where veneers are placed on top of existing teeth rather than having to drill or shave them down. While non-prep veneers seem less invasive than traditional veneers, they still require a dentist’s knowledge and expertise to be done correctly.

“There are very few instances when non-prep veneers can be done,” Londono said. “The skills and expertise of a licensed dentist are crucial for both types to ensure proper fit, function and oral health.”

Dentists not only craft and place veneers, but they are also responsible for determining which teeth can have veneers and which ones shouldn’t.

“Before placing veneers, it’s essential to ensure that the underlying teeth are in good health and free of decay or other dental issues. Placing veneers over cavities or unhealthy teeth can lead to complications and may exacerbate existing dental problems,” said Dr. Ada Cooper, a New York-based dentist and consumer advisor spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

“Any dental procedure that alters the physical structure of teeth, gums or jaws, without the supervision of a dentist, has the potential to cause irreversible harm to individuals, who are treated as ‘customers’ rather than patients,” the American Dental Association said in a press release about veneer techs.

According to Danna, the ADA states that risks of seeing an unqualified person for dental work can include infections from devices and adhesives that are not properly sterilized, veneers placed over unhealthy teeth or untreated cavities, nerve damage from improper trimming or filing of the teeth, and even potential choking hazards during the placement of the veneers.

“Without the involvement of a licensed dentist, patients lose an essential quality control checkpoint — their dentist — to ensure all aspects of their treatment are performed and are progressing in the best interests of the patient,” Cooper said.

In addition to the years of education and licensure dentists receive, Cooper and Danna also note that dentists are the only individuals licensed to accept responsibility for patient care.

“The illegal techs can be criminally charged for practicing dentistry without a license, which is a felony in most states, and they could also be subject to a civil lawsuit for assault and battery if the dental work goes wrong and harms a patient,” Danna explained.

“I am especially worried for patients making this choice merely from a financial aspect,” Danna said. “Patients who seek out veneer techs often do so because they are cheaper than dentists.”

Although some may be tempted to see a veneer tech rather than a dentist to save money, they may end up seeing the dentist regardless.

The dentists we spoke to said going to an unqualified individual for dental work such as veneers, even non-prep veneers, can not only lead to poor aesthetics but can also affect the health and function of your teeth. These complications may require intervention by a licensed dentist and can even lead to irreversible damage to the tooth enamel, gums, or nerves — which could mean more money out of your pocket.

“Talk to your dentist if you have concerns about cost. Local dental schools may also offer services at reduced rates, as well as federally qualified health centers,” Cooper said.

If you are unsure whether your provider is qualified, Cooper recommends searching for the provider on the American Association of Dental Boards website to ensure they are licensed to perform dental work.

“I would urge any consumer out there to do your research, make sure that you are not only protecting the investment you are making for your smile but most importantly the decision you are making with relevance to your personal health and welfare,” Danna said.