I need some help. I asked my dentist for some e.max veneers and he said I would be better off with 360 wrap veneers. Before I agreed, I asked how much tooth structure would need to be removed for those. They assured me hardly any. So, I went for it. I wish I had not. Several times I have had the temporary veneers fall out. The first time it happened, I was horrified to see that the tooth underneath was ground down to a little nub. When I asked them about it they just blew it off saying that some bites need more of the tooth removed than others. I also expressed concern about them falling out so much and they assured me that it was only because they were temporaries and they are meant to come out easily. That made sense and put my mind at ease. However, now I have the permanent ones and the canine tooth has fallen out. I am so worried that I will never be able to feel secure in my smile. I wake up throughout the night checking that I still have all my “teeth”. Is there anything I can do about this? I feel I am living in constant panic. Not to mention the teeth themselves look chalky and fake.
Carla
Dear Carla,
I have bad news and good news for you. I’ll start with the bad news. You have an ethically challenged dentist who has misled you. I’ll start with the fact that there is no such thing as 360 degree veneers. Porcelain veneers only cover the front of your teeth and hug the sides slightly. What he placed on your teeth are dental crowns. Above, I have placed a comparison image of the tooth preparation needed for porcelain veneers as opposed to dental crowns.
That is twice he lied to you before they even started the procedure. The second time being when he said they would not need to remove much tooth structure.
Now for the good news. Generally, when a patient is unhappy with how the results of their cosmetic work looks there is little they can do about it. The standard of care is a functioning result. Having chalky, fake looking teeth would not get you very far with most general dentists. A true cosmetic dentist, however, would care that you were not happy with the results. In fact, they would not be satisfied unless you were thrilled. You, obviously, do not have a dentist who has invested much training in cosmetic work.
Fortunately for you, your dentist is also incompetent. Most dentists can do successful dental crowns. It is one of the first big skills a dentist learns in dental school. Yours seems unable to do so. One requirement for functioning dental work is that it actually stays in your mouth.
I suggest you ask your dentist for a refund and then go elsewhere to get this done correctly. If he refuses, let him know that you are aware he misled you twice and if you need to will go to the dental board or even a lawyer. That should sober him up a bit.
I’m sorry this happened to you.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.