Jamaicans using nail acrylic on teeth Dentist warns against dangerous beauty trend

The quest for a million-dollar smile has seen some Jamaicans turning to nail acrylic and sculpting gel to create makeshift veneers at home, a risky social media-driven practice that dentists warn could result in serious oral health complications, including infections, gum disease and even tooth loss.

The alarming trend, which has gained traction through online videos, involves individuals applying products typically used for artificial nails to their teeth in an effort to achieve the appearance of professional veneers without visiting a dentist.

But dental surgeon Aaron Maicoo says the shortcut can have devastating consequences.

“I understand the aesthetic side and you need a quick fix, but we have to start with the basic because things like that don’t work out well. I [would] rather you have healthy teeth in your mouth than you don’t have any teeth in your mouth,” Maicoo told THE STAR.

According to the dental surgeon, many people mistakenly believe the materials being used at home are similar to those employed in legitimate cosmetic dental procedures.

“Arcylic is used in dentistry but not these forms. Acrylic in dentistry is used as a temporary measurement until the permanent veneers are made. So we take an impression of your mouth and that goes to a lab, where the veneers are made from ceramic or other materials.”

Maicoo warned that applying nail acrylic or sculpting gel to the teeth can trigger a range of serious problems, particularly when underlying dental issues already exist.

“One is at jeopardy of losing the teeth all together. If the tooth is infected you can develop an abscess, the tooth can start shaking and you are in a lot of pain.”

Beyond the do-it-yourself (DIY) trend, Maicoo said he is also concerned about the growing number of untrained individuals offering veneer services outside of regulated dental practices.

“In Jamaica, there are a lot of places that do untrained work, not sure of the material they are using but they do some form of veneers,” he said. “But the figures I have been seeing is US$2000 for your front teeth, so it’s not cheap. If you spend so much money on your mouth, just do it properly.”

The dentist noted that patients frequently seek professional help after experiencing complications from poorly executed veneer procedures.

According to Maicoo, the damage often requires more aggressive treatment than would otherwise have been necessary.

“Sometimes I see like a piece of plastic cemented on their tooth, so we have to drill the area off.”

His concerns echo warnings issued by health authorities in recent years about the dangers of unlicensed dental work. Despite those warnings, Maicoo said patients continue to present with serious complications after receiving treatment from untrained operators.

“We have so many cases where they come back to the office and they are faced with losing their teeth or getting a denture. It is a dangerous practice.”

The problems are not limited to tooth loss. Improperly fitted veneers can also interfere with basic functions such as eating and speaking.

“When these persons place veneers, oftentimes they can’t close their mouth because it is too high, and you can’t eat and can’t speak,” he explained.

The procedure can also damage the gums and supporting tissues if not done correctly.

“If it is not done properly it can cause problems with the local tissues such as the gum and you are liable to develop periodontitis. You can have unhealthy teeth, brittle teeth or poor dental hygiene because the margins around the veneers can harbour food as you eat, so that retention will cause inflammation and break down the tissue, which causes bleeding gum and odour.”

While veneers are generally viewed as a cosmetic enhancement, Maicoo stressed that patients must first be assessed by a qualified dental professional to determine whether they are suitable candidates.

As videos promoting DIY veneers continue to circulate online, Maicoo is urging Jamaicans to resist the temptation to experiment with nail products on their teeth, and called on those seeking to profit from the trend to consider the potential consequences.

“The thing with healthcare is that it’s not a money-making venture, because it is people’s health you are dealing with at the end of the day,” he said.