Don’t let the rosy cheeks fool you. If you look close enough, Kris Kringle here is actually pretty miffed – and he’s got the list to prove it (with veneer tech right at the very top).
Truman Orthodontics and Santa Claus actually have something in common: we work diligently to put smiles on people’s faces. And whether in the North Pole or in the Las Vegas desert, that holiday cheer needs to be protected at all costs. As it turns out, 2024 saw a number of individuals attempting to put those pearly whites in jeopardy. And that, dear friends, we simply can’t have.
For the sake of public health, this is your gentle year-end reminder that if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is. And, if someone takes CashApp in exchange for “dental services” performed in their home office with equipment purchased on Amazon – RUN.
Here are the viral dental scams that made the 2024 Ortho naughty list.
Friends, do you remember Braces by Brandon? Well, he was actually at the forefront of the Veneer Tech craze. Not only was he performing illegal dentistry out of a non-descript office building; he was teaching 2-day courses to aspiring veneer techs for thousands of dollars a head. Perhaps, it’s why he was among the first of the veneer techs to have his arrest make headlines. If you’re curious and want to look him up on Instagram, his personal and “business” accounts have been deactivated.
We first covered the viral scam earlier this year. Dr. Truman was even asked by our local morning news and the Associated Press for comment. But, when the TruCrew first heard the phrase “veneer tech,” we had no idea just how far down the rabbit hole we would go. It’s possible we may be still down there because people cosplaying as doctors and the victims that are left with Temu teeth cemented on top of active decay keep popping up.
And it pains us to say this: we’re just getting started.
Truman Orthodontics installs braces all day, everyday. Very licensed, very LEGAL. Those $500 basement braces reserved via WhatsApp? Not so much.
We went into detail when we first heard about this example of criminal negligence disguised as a fashion trend. In case you missed it, a quick refresher as to why someone can’t just wake up one day and decide to dive head first into someone’s mouth:
The fact that there’s video on the internet of victims removing their “braces” with their finger nails – this actually kept us up at night. Then again, our neighbors across the pond may actually take the cake when it comes to ortho nightmare fuel.
People traveling abroad for cheaper medical treatment is not a new phenomenon. However, The Daily Mail has no shortage of articles about Turkey Teeth. Flights are being booked to Turkey, a country that’s gained a reputation for being the “budget cosmetic surgery capital of the world.” The nickname comes from the aggressive procedure performed where a majority of the natural tooth is removed and veneers, often bulky and ill-fitting, are placed. And, well, it’s all downhill from here.
One influencer was left unable to chew. Another woman said that she was left rotting holes in her gums. And a man reported that his teeth began to leak puss and bleed following his procedure.
Imagine putting up the money and making the effort to travel hundreds of miles to find yourself in a worse and even life threatening situation – It’s devastating. But one doesn’t have to travel far to find potential threats to their oral health. In our next case, it’s as close as your local drive-thru cafe.
We don’t know who needs to hear this but we’re going to say it. It’s ok to not like coffee.
Have you seen those videos from employees at a certain chain coffee shop who make the craziest coffee drinks? Plot twist – the orders are real and people are kicking off their morning with a cup half filled with syrup, 12 sugars, almond milk (for health, we guess), and just enough room for a splash of coffee.
Not only are these drinks probably really expensive due to all the customizations, not only is it impossible for these creations to actually taste good; but, the amount of sugar is downright alarming. Fun fact: enamel is the hardest substance in our body – and sugar can eat right through it.
Questions about ortho approved food and drink are common. And, it is ok to have coffee and tea in moderation. But not if it’s 80 percent sucrose. Stop that! For goodness sake, go get something sensible. A matcha, perhaps. Or herbal tea or a cold brew with 2 pumps of vanilla and a splash of half and half.
Veneer techs making fast money, budget cosmetic procedures, and sugary-beverage overloads – it’s all appealing at first. But, don’t let these traps wreck your holiday season (or any other season for that matter). Don’t waste your time, save your money, and take it easy at the drive-thru. If you are ready to embark on a smile journey, it always begins with a consultation with a licensed orthodontist. We happen to know a guy – and he doesn’t accept Venmo (thank goodness).
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About Truman Orthodontics – Henderson
Truman Orthodontics-Henderson celebrates twenty years of private practice. Dr. Truman and the TruCrew provide highest quality orthodontic care in a family-oriented high-technology practice. We maintain a commitment to our patients in every facet of our practice to ensure that every patient achieves a healthy and beautiful smile. For more information, visit www.trumanortho.com.
Posted By Truman Orthodontics Category: Blog, General Post Date: November 25, 2024