Can licensed dentists keep up with the rise of DIY veneers?

In a world where dental aesthetics have become as vital as the perfect Instagram filter, the quest for that flawless smile has taken center stage. From teeth whitening to veneers, patients are increasingly investing in cosmetic dental procedures, often paying out-of-pocket for treatments not covered by national health services. But as the demand for aesthetic dentistry surges, so does the need for transparent, reliable platforms that connect patients with reputable dentists.

Why does everyone want perfect teeth all of a sudden?

Everybody wants a perfect smile now. Not a good smile. Not a decent smile. They want a Hollywood, ring-light-in-your-mouth, porcelain runway smile. And why? Because Instagram and TikTok have basically turned teeth into a fashion statement.

According to one review, 90.7% of dentists (and let’s just call that basically everyone) say that social media has caused a spike in people asking for aesthetic treatments like teeth whitening and veneers. That’s right, your patients are scrolling through influencers flashing $10,000 smiles, and then walking into your office asking, "Can I get this… for like $200?"

Enter the veneer techs… aka, the black market tooth fairies

This explosion in demand has opened the floodgates for people calling themselves “veneer techs.”

These people offer budget veneers out of bedrooms and backrooms, sliding into DMs like: “Hey girl, looking to upgrade that smile on a budget?” And what do patients get in return? Nerve damage. Severe pain. Tooth loss.

So now, real dentists are not just competing with other professionals… you’re competing with a guy who just ordered a dental drill from Amazon Prime. The Wild West, but for teeth.

So, where do dental marketplaces fit in?

This is where dental marketplaces like Smylor come in, wearing the white coat of reason.

Smylor lets patients shop for dentists as they shop for hotels. They see your pricing, read procedure-specific reviews (none of that “the parking lot was clean” nonsense), and decide who’s the best fit for their needs.

They’re not just browsing practices anymore, they’re comparing outcomes, reading real patient experiences.

Online reviews: the new word of mouth (but louder)

Do you know what the new handshake is? A five-star Google review. These days, 92% of people read online reviews before choosing any business, and 88% trust them as much as a recommendation from their mom or friends.

So while you’re sweating over Instagram content, doing awkward slow-motion toothbrush spins, your future patients are out there reading reviews like, “This dentist changed my life and also, gave me cheekbones I didn’t know I had.”

Here’s the truth: reviews are currency. The more great ones you have, the more patients show up. And with platforms like Smylor, it’s all laid out beautifully, no vague five-stars with no context. Just solid, detailed feedback about the stuff people care about.

So, why is finding “the right kind of ” patients so difficult?

Ever feel like attracting new patients is harder than pulling teeth? You're a dentist, not a social media influencer. Yet, in today's digital age, it seems like you need to master TikTok just to get noticed. But what if there was a better way? Enter the dental marketplace, a modern solution that's changing the game for dental professionals.​

Dental marketplace

Smylor Dental Marketplace is an online platform that connects patients with dental professionals. Think of them as the Booking.com for dental services. Patients can search for specific procedures, read reviews, compare prices, and book appointments, all in one place. These platforms offer dentists increased visibility and a steady stream of potential patients.​

Benefits for Dentists

Increased visibility

Being listed on a dental marketplace means your practice is visible to a broader audience. Patients searching for specific procedures can find you easily, leading to more inquiries and appointments. According to a study by Dental Revenue, investing in dental SEO services can significantly improve your online visibility, making it easier for potential patients to find your practice online.

Targeted marketing

Dental marketplaces attract patients actively seeking dental services. This means your marketing efforts are directed at individuals ready to book, increasing conversion rates. With the dental market projected to reach around USD 121.36 billion by 2034, tapping into this growing market through targeted marketing is more important than ever.

Streamlined booking process

These platforms often offer integrated booking systems, allowing patients to schedule appointments directly. This reduces administrative tasks and ensures a smoother patient experience. According to NexHealth, about 49% of dental practices use automated reminders, while 46% rely on the office team to email or call patients. Having a system in place to reduce missed appointments should be a priority.

Enhanced reputation management

Patient reviews on dental marketplace can boost your reputation. Positive feedback builds trust and encourages more patients to choose your practice. According to the American Dental Association, online reviews are a powerful tool for attracting new patients.

Cost-effective marketing

Traditional advertising can be expensive and often yields uncertain results. Dental marketplaces offer a more affordable alternative, connecting you with patients actively seeking your services. With dental practices investing 12% or more of gross revenue to combat cutthroat competition, as noted by Delmain, finding cost-effective marketing solutions is crucial.

Real-world example: Smylor

Smylor is a dental marketplace that allows professionals to offer their services directly to patients. By joining Smylor, dentists can increase their visibility, connect with a targeted audience, and boost their revenue. Smylor offers features like online chat, booking services, and patient reviews, making it easier for dentists to manage their practice and attract new patients.​

In summary… let’s get real

People are spending big money on things that look good, not just feel good. And in a space flooded with sketchy operators and Instagram hype, Smylor gives legit dentists a stage to shine, without needing to learn how to go viral.

So forget the dance reels. Let your work do the talking. Let the real smiles, the real outcomes, and the real patient voices speak for themselves. You do the dentistry. Let the platform do the marketing.

Because in a world full of “veneer techs,” wouldn’t it be nice to just be the dentist?