Pinellas Park, Fla. — A Pinellas Park woman accused of gluing fake veneers onto patients is now facing more legal trouble.
Prosecutors in Hillsborough County have filed a motion to keep Emely Martinez in jail while she awaits trial on charges that she performed illegal dental work in Tampa. Martinez was first arrested in March in connection with those charges and later released on bond. Her recent arrest in Pinellas Park, prosecutors argue, violates the terms of that release.
This month, Pinellas Park Police arrested Martinez after she allegedly practiced dentistry without a license. Investigators said she used fake veneers that left patients with infections, severe injuries, and the need for emergency dental care. Only licensed dentists are allowed to perform veneer procedures.
Rise of “Veneer Techs”
A quick search online reveals a growing number of self-proclaimed “veneer techs” promoting cosmetic dental work for a fraction of a licensed dentist’s fees. The American Dental Association issued a national warning last year about the dangers of this underground trend.
“It’s not a reversible procedure,” said Dr. Christopher Bulnes, a Tampa dentist. “You’re playing with fire when you do this for pure aesthetics without the proper training. Someone’s health is at stake.”
The risks have drawn national attention. In October 2024, an Atlanta man was arrested for posing as a celebrity veneer specialist. Investigators said he sold bogus training certificates and ran illegal courses.
Dentists warn that many unlicensed providers use 3D-printed materials or supplies ordered online, including from Amazon. While the price may look attractive, the damage can be devastating. Bulnes said patients often end up paying as much as $80,000 to repair the harm.
“Almost every case has to be redone because the work will fail,” he explained. “Patients often pay four, five, or six times more to fix it than if they had gone to a licensed dentist in the first place.”
Dangerous Materials
According to investigators, Martinez allegedly used Krazy Glue inside patients’ mouths. The product can expand, release heat, and damage nerves.
“It can cook a nerve, which leads to root canal therapy,” one investigator said. “It’s not safe for use in the mouth.”
Detectives also believe Martinez may have attempted dental procedures on children, including extractions. Bulnes said such work without x-rays, training, or proper tools carries serious risks.
“Once you drill into a tooth, that structure is gone forever,” Bulnes said. “You can’t undo it.”
Warning Signs for Patients
Licensed dentists typically charge $1,200–$1,500 per tooth for veneers. The process usually takes about a month and involves multiple visits. Patients wear temporary veneers for several weeks before permanent ones are installed. Done properly, veneers can last 20 to 25 years.
By contrast, detectives said Martinez advertised a full set for $3,000, promising to finish the job in a single day. Patients reported veneers breaking or cracking within days or weeks.
