Can you help me? I went to a European country in order to get a smile makeover I could afford. Even with the travel, I saved $50,000. I loved how the smile looked and was pleased as punch until they started falling off. I’ve been doing everything they’ve told me to. I cut up all my food carefully and do not use my front teeth to eat. I’m not sure why they are falling off. They are under a warranty, so I’m hoping if I go back they can fix it. I don’t think I’m allowed to let any other dentist touch them while they’re under warranty. What do you recommend I do?
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
You have fallen victim to dental tourism. Often patients think they’re getting a huge bargain but it rarely turns out how they hoped. I had an instant red flag when you told me they’ve been falling off. Properly bonded porcelain veneers will not fall off. In fact, there shouldn’t have even been any restrictions on what and how you ate.
I don’t think going back to whatever country you had these done is going to help you. In fact, if the porcelain veneers are still intact, you can get them fixed in the United States significantly cheaper than the trip would cost you. However, not every dentist will know the procedure to do this.
My recommendation is for you to see an expert cosmetic dentist who will know how to do this right. I have little confidence you’d get any better results with the original dentist even if you did fly there. If they didn’t know how to do it the first time, they don’t know how to do it now.
Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist
There isn’t a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. This means any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist regardless of their skill level. It actually requires a great deal of post-doctoral training to develop the technical skill and artistry necessary to do a beautiful smile makeover and have it stay.
One way for you to find a qualified dentist is to look at the website of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (aacd.com) They have a link to help patients find a cosmetic dentist. On that search, they’ll give you the option to check that you are looking for an accredited cosmetic dentist. That’s what you want. These are the dentists who have invested the time training to do stunning smile makeovers.
This blog is brought to you by Des Moines Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Phelan Thomas.