I’m reaching out to you for some help. I’ve spent a lot of money on this and I’ve done nothing but cry since. My dentist and I spent a great deal of time going over exactly what I wanted. When the set came back they were bulky and chalky looking. I asked him to send them back, which he did. When they came back the second time, he just held them up to me. They didn’t seem a whole lot different, but he assured me they could make adjustments after they were bonded on. That was a lie. Now I’m stuck with a smile which looks fake to me. I’ve called a few times to tell the dentist I want a refund, but I haven’t heard back. I’m beginning to think he’s avoiding me. Is there anything I can do?
Melanie
Dear Melanie,
Sadly, we hear these stories way too often. As a patient, you expect that your dentist has all the skill and training necessary to do the procedures he or she agrees to. However, smile makeovers aren’t taught in dental school. Unless your dentist invests time in post-doctoral studies to learn how to do beautiful smile makeovers, you are not guaranteed a beautiful smile.
In fact, there’s one particular porcelain veneer company who’s made an entire business model by telling inexperienced cosmetic dentists their brand of porcelain veneers are easy to place. The reason they give is they’re so thin no tooth preparation is necessary. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases they turn out bulky and unattractive. This may have been what your dentist used, though I have no way of knowing that.
Fixing a Dental Cosmetic Disaster
One thing you have going for you is his deception. He told you they could fix them after he bonded them on and that wasn’t true. Write your dentist and let him know that you will be seeing a colleague of his to resolve this if he doesn’t work with you on a refund. Also, let him know you’ll go to the dental board about his deception
His pride (or fear) may kick in and decide to do the right thing. If it doesn’t, then follow through. This time, see an expert cosmetic dentist. My recommendation is you visit the aacd.com website. This is for The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. They have a link allowing you to look up cosmetic dentists in your area.
Make sure you check the option that says accredited dentist. These are the top of the line cosmetic dentists and will be able to give you an excellent second opinion.
I always warn patients not to tell the second opinion dentist who did the original work. This is in case they’re friends and he’ll worry about speaking out against a friend’s work. Just tell him or her you want their unbiased opinion.
This blog is brought to you by Des Moines Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Phelan Thomas.