A woman was arrested recently for the second time in Florida for offering cosmetic dentistry services without a license or professional training.
The case has gone viral in recent days on social media and in the press due to the unusual material being used: super glue.
Emely Martínez, 35 years old, specialized in dental veneers: a popular cosmetic dentistry technique that, when performed by a professional, can cost over 1,000 dollars per tooth.
However, Martínez promised a celebrity smile for just $3,000... for the full mouth.
The procedure was offered at the Tapp Inn Beauty Bar in Pinellas Park, where it was advertised on social media as "veneer technique." At first glance, it provided an affordable alternative for those who could not afford a dental clinic.
But there was a dangerous trap: he was not a dentist, he had no license, and he used homemade materials, like super glue, to attach the dental veneers.
“She does not have a license to apply veneers. She lacks the training to do so. And in the state of Florida, it is obviously required to have a license to perform any work of that kind,” stated Sergeant Windy Vater from the Pinellas Park Police Department, as reported by local media.
The super glue that burned nerves
Authorities confirmed that Martínez used cyanoacrylate - commonly known as Krazy Glue or super glue - as an adhesive for the veneers.
This type of adhesive, available in the hardware section, is not approved for medical use and can cause dangerous reactions upon contact with oral tissues.
A patient had to undergo emergency surgery after experiencing unbearable pain and discovering that the substance had caused a nerve burn.
“It can expand, generate heat, and burn a nerve. It should not be used in the mouth,” explained dentist Christopher Bulnes from Tampa in an interview with Fox 13.
The combination of a toxic material and an application without medical knowledge resulted in serious consequences: infections, disfigured teeth, corrective surgeries, and emergency treatments.
At least two victims reported Martínez after experiencing pain and complications in the days following the procedure.
One of them paid $2,500 for a full mouth, a suspiciously low fee for comprehensive dental treatment.
Deceptive promises and social media aesthetics
The victims arrived at Martínez through social media.
She posted before-and-after images, showcasing spectacular results at affordable prices, primarily targeted at a female audience.
They promised veneers that would last "from five to seven years" at a fraction of the market price.
The American Dental Association (ADA) warned in 2024 about the growing phenomenon of "veneer technicians" operating without a license.
"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 damage," the statement emphasized
Reoffending and operating under false names
This was not Martínez's first brush with the law.
Records show that she was arrested in March for performing dental work without a license in Hillsborough County.
She was released on bail, but according to the police, she continued operating in Pinellas County, where new victims surfaced in June and July.
Authorities believe that Martínez changed her name and used different business names to continue providing services and avoid detection.
He is currently facing charges of fraud and the illegal practice of dentistry in at least two counties.
Procedures in children and unauthorized extractions
The most alarming thing is that the investigation is still not over.
The police are investigating reports that Martínez may have performed dental extractions and procedures on minors, which would elevate the severity of the case to new levels.
So far, no specific charges have been brought in relation to these events, but detectives are continuing to gather testimonies.
Physical and economic consequences for the victims
The consequences for the victims went beyond physical harm. Several of them had to pay thousands of dollars to certified dentists to repair the damage caused by the at-home procedures.
"In fact, they have had to pay thousands of dollars to have their teeth fixed, and some had to wait for the infection to heal before they could have their dentures repaired," reiterated Sergeant Vater.
The case of Emely Martínez has raised alarms in Florida and other states where social media has become the primary channel for promoting illegal aesthetic treatments.
The authorities recommend:
-Always verify that the professional has a valid license through the Florida Department of Health website.
-Suspect prices that are too low compared to market prices.
-Request credentials before accepting any medical or dental procedure.
Filed under:
