I got six porcelain veneers on my upper arch. I think each one of them has fallen off. Some of them more than once. I don’t think I’m doing anything to them. I’ve been very careful. My dentist has been very nice to always bond them back on. He hasn’t even charged me. I feel bad that I have to keep returning, but I’m also frustrated. I have a life that I can’t keep dropping to pop my veneer back on. Can you give me advice on keeping them in?
Elinor B. – Boise, ID
Elinor,
My advice is honestly for you to go to a different dentist. You shouldn’t be the one feeling bad. Your dentist should. He obviously doesn’t have a clue about the bonding procedure. I’m relieved to hear he isn’t charging you for fixing his mistakes. I hope you’re happy with the porcelain veneers themselves and how they make your smile look. If so, just go to a different cosmetic dentist. They should know how to bond them on properly, especially if you go to a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In fact, I recommend you go to one of them not just to have them bond the veneers back on. First, I want you to have whichever dentist you decide on to look them over in general and make sure they’re OK. If they’re not, he or she can possibly help you get a refund.
It doesn’t sound to me like he knows cosmetic dentistry. My guess is he’s a decent family dentist who tries to dabble in cosmetic dentistry. It doesn’t mean you have to leave your dentist. You could still go to him for general dentistry procedures. For cosmetic procedures, though, it really would be better for you to go to someone accredited.
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