I’m at my wits end. I paid a small fortune to get a beautiful smile makeover and I ended up with horse teeth. They are way too bulky and don’t look natural. When I first got them I noticed that right away. I mentioned it to my dentist and he said it’s the shock of seeing the difference in my old “thin” teeth and these better full teeth. Though, he told me he was using ultra-thin veneers. He was sure once I saw them for a few days I would love them. Well, it’s been two weeks and I still hate them. I’ve called the office asking to speak with the dentist four times and never get a call back, which says they are avoiding me. Is there anything I can do?
Marilyn
Dear Marilyn,
A single porcelain veneer
What you are learning, unfortunately, is there is a real difference between a family dentist who does cosmetic work and a dentist who is passionate about cosmetic work. You would never have gone through this with a true cosmetic dentist. They would never be satisfied with their work if you were anything but absolutely thrilled.
You said your dentist used an ultra-thin veneer and the results ended up looking like horse teeth. Is there any chance you heard him say he was using Lumineers? This is a specific brand of porcelain veneers which is marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place. They say this because they are an ultra-thin veneer and as such may not require tooth preparation.
In reality, that only works for some cases, Many, even with an ultra-thin veneer will end up looking like horse teeth if the dentist doesn’t do any tooth prep at all. This may be what happened to you.
Another thing you wouldn’t experience with an expert cosmetic dentist is him saying “You’ll get used to how they look.” Nope. If you weren’t absolutely thrilled, a real cosmetic dentist would send those puppies back tot he lab to be re-done with any changes you think are necessary to obtain the smile of your dreams.
Before they were even bonded on, they would be placed on your teeth with a temporary try-in paste. You’d get a good look at them on your teeth in several different lightings. Your complete approval and satisfaction would be obtained before they were bonded on.
What you need it to get a refund so you can have your porcelain veneers re-done by a true, artistic cosmetic dentist. To do that, you’ll need to get an expert cosmetic dentist on your side who will say the porcelain veneers you did get aren’t satisfactory.
I would look either on the mynewsmile.com website or search for an AACD accredited dentist in your area. Either one of them has the expertise and artistry necessary to create beautiful smiles. In fact, most of them even have a beautiful smile guarantee.
This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.
