Fake Florida ‘Veneer Tech’ arrested for using superglue on patients [PHOTO]

Arrest in Pinellas Park Highlights Dangers of Unlicensed Dental Work

Authorities in Pinellas Park, Florida, have arrested 35-year-old Emely Martinez after uncovering her operation as an unlicensed “veneer technician” who allegedly installed fake veneers with superglue. Police say Martinez lured clients through social media by promising affordable “smile makeovers” that appeared too good to be true — and, as victims soon discovered, they were.

The arrest took place on August 20, inside the Tapp Inn Beauty Bar at 9150 49th Street North. According to investigators, Martinez performed dangerous dental work without a license, training, or medical oversight. She remains in custody as multiple victims continue to come forward.

Victims Left With Pain and Financial Damage

Several victims told police they suffered serious complications after receiving Martinez’s fake veneer treatments. Reports describe infections, swelling, broken teeth, and intense pain that forced them to seek emergency dental care. In some cases, the damage was so severe that corrective procedures cost thousands of dollars on top of what Martinez had already charged them.

Sgt. Windy Vater of the Pinellas Park Police stressed:

“She is not licensed to put in veneers. She has no schooling to do veneers. And in the state of Florida, you have to be licensed to do any kind of work like that.”

Some victims reported Martinez refused to issue refunds when her work fell apart. Others claimed she became hostile when confronted about her lack of credentials. Police believe there may be dozens more victims across Florida.

A Dangerous Bargain

Martinez reportedly charged $2,500 to $3,000 for full-mouth veneer treatments — often involving as many as 24 veneers. She promised results lasting five to seven years, at a fraction of the cost of legitimate veneers from licensed dentists.

For comparison, licensed cosmetic dentists typically charge between $900 and $1,500 per tooth, depending on materials and complexity. What Martinez offered for a few thousand dollars would normally cost $20,000 to $30,000 in a professional clinic.

The low price drew in customers hoping for quick smile transformations. Instead, many were left with damaged teeth, lingering infections, and steep bills for corrective dental surgery.

A Pattern of Fraud

This wasn’t Martinez’s first brush with the law. Back in March, she was arrested in Hillsborough County on similar charges of unlicensed dental work. That case is still pending, with a court appearance scheduled for August 29.

Despite the arrest, police say she continued operating in Pinellas County, switching locations and aliases to attract new clients. Detectives are now investigating claims that Martinez went beyond veneers, potentially attempting tooth extractions and even working on children. If confirmed, additional charges could follow.

Her criminal history also includes a misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear, a probation violation, and even a citation as a habitual traffic offender.

The Superglue Technique

Police say Martinez used cyanoacrylate glue, commonly known as superglue or “crazy glue,” to attach veneers. While strong in industrial use, the substance is not approved for dental procedures.

Using superglue in a person’s mouth can cause:

• Chemical burns to gums and lips
• Severe infections when bacteria get trapped beneath the veneer
• Irreversible damage to natural teeth enamel
• Toxic exposure when the glue breaks down in the body

Dentists warn that superglue can make legitimate treatment more difficult, since teeth must often be shaved down further to remove hardened adhesive.

ADA Warning on Fake “Veneer Techs”

The American Dental Association (ADA) issued a public warning in 2024 about unlicensed cosmetic dental services popping up on social media. Many so-called “veneer techs” operate from beauty bars, salons, or private homes — with no sterilization standards, no medical training, and no legal authority.

The ADA statement emphasized:

“Any dental procedure that may alter the physical structure of an individual’s teeth, gums, or jaws without the supervision of a dentist has the potential to cause irreversible harm.”

The organization urged patients to always verify credentials through state licensing boards before agreeing to any dental or cosmetic procedure.

Social Media at the Center

Martinez heavily promoted her services on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, often showcasing before-and-after photos of clients. Investigators say the posts created a false sense of legitimacy for unsuspecting customers who didn’t realize she was unlicensed.

This case reflects a larger trend of unregulated “Instagram dentistry” that targets young adults looking for affordable smile makeovers. Similar arrests have been reported in New York, Texas, and California, where fraudulent providers use social media to lure clients with flashy videos and steep discounts.

The Victims’ Burden

Beyond the infections and physical pain, victims now face staggering repair costs. Some reported having to treat infections before legitimate dentists could even begin corrective work. Others may lose teeth permanently due to Martinez’s reckless methods.

Sgt. Vater explained:

“They actually have had to pay thousands of dollars to get their teeth fixed, and some of them had to wait for the infection to clear before even starting the process.”

For many, the dream of an affordable Hollywood smile has turned into a nightmare of medical bills, missed work, and lasting trauma.

Charges Against Martinez

Martinez faces multiple charges, including:

• Scheme to defraud (less than $20,000)
• Two counts of practicing dentistry without an active license
• Unlawful possession of personal identification of another
• Misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear
• Misdemeanor warrant for violation of probation
• Habitual traffic offender citation

She remains in custody following her August 20 arrest, and investigators continue to urge other potential victims to contact them at 727-369-7864.

Public Reactions

The story has gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), with posts warning others about Martinez’s methods.

• @raphousetv2 described the case in detail, emphasizing the use of superglue and calling it “a horror story for anyone seeking cheap dental work.”
• @KathleenWinche3 demanded accountability for the beauty bar that allowed Martinez to operate, saying owners must share responsibility.
• Others expressed shock with simple reactions like “WTF” or memes about trusting TikTok dentists.

Most comments center on public outrage and disbelief, with many users sharing the story as a cautionary tale about cutting corners on medical procedures.

Broader Lessons

Cases like this highlight the risks of chasing low-cost cosmetic procedures through social media advertisements. While veneers can dramatically transform a smile, they require precision, sterilization, and extensive dental training. Without those safeguards, patients risk permanent damage.

This also underscores the need for stronger regulation of online advertising. With platforms flooded by unlicensed providers promoting medical services, patients may struggle to separate legitimate professionals from dangerous frauds.

Conclusion

The arrest of Emely Martinez serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of trusting unlicensed providers with medical or dental care. By allegedly using superglue to attach veneers, Martinez left behind a trail of pain, financial ruin, and lasting trauma for her victims.

As her court dates approach, authorities continue investigating whether more victims were harmed — and whether harsher charges may follow. For now, her case stands as one of the most alarming examples of social media-driven dental fraud in recent memory.