I went in to ask my dentist about porcelain veneers. He did a quick exam and said for my case he’d recommend 360 degree veneers. I was worried about that and asked how much tooth structure needed to be removed. He assured me not much so I went forward with it. I really regret that now. I started getting suspicious when the some of the temporary veneers kept falling off. The dentist assured me this would not be a problem when the permanent ones came in. I noticed when the temp veneers fell off that my real teeth underneath were tiny stubs. This is not what he described to me. Then the permanent ones came in and a couple of them fell off too. When I went in about that, the hygienist told me that I must be eating hard foods. She instructed me to eat softer foods. I was not told this would be an issue and wasn’t thrilled, but what is done is done. So, I then started eating soft foods only. Again a veneer fell off. I’m a nervous wreck about the holidays when we have all these people coming over. Is there any way to keep these veneers in?
Peggy
Dear Peggy,
This is a horrible situation you are in. I am sorry. I am going to be blunt that you need a new dentist to fix this. Not only does your dentist have some serious ethical issue, but he is also dishonest.
You mentioned getting concerned when you noticed that your natural tooth structure looked like nubs. You were right to be concerned. My eyebrows went up when I first read your dentist telling you he was giving you 360 veneers. There is no such thing. Porcelain veneers only go on the front of your teeth as well as hug the sides of the teeth.
Above, I posted an image of the different types of tooth preparation. One for porcelain veneers and one for dental crowns. You were not given veneers. Your dentist gave you crowns.
Some dentists, who do not have the cosmetic skills to provide procelain veneers will stear their patients toward dental crowns. While your dentist just outright lied about what you were getting, the motive is likely the same. He wanted your business even though he couldn’t provide what you were requesting. Porcelain veneers require significant post-doctoral training. Dental crowns, on the other hand, are one of the first things that are taught in dental school.
Yet, even with that, your dentist did not have the appropriate skill level. Most dentists go their entire careers without having a crown fall off. Your dentist seems to have trouble keeping them in. In a way, this works in your favor. You can’t get a refund for a smile makeover because you don’t like how it looks. But, you can get a refund for a smile makeover that is not functional. As the crowns won’t stay in your mouth, you have great leverage.
My recommendation is that you tell him if he gives you a refund you will not report his malfeasance to the dental board as well as your dental insurance, if you have that. Then, you need to get this smile makeover redone. The unfortunate part of your situation is that you will have to have crowns now that your teeth are ground down to nubs. However, all is not lost. If you go to a skilled cosmetic dentist, you can get a stunning smile with dental crowns. The best cosmetic dentists are AACD accredited. You will be in good hands.
This blog is brought to you by Des Moines Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Phelan Thomas.