This is a little embarrassing, but I need some help. My sister and I are pretty competitive. I lost weight, so she got liposuction. She bought a new car, I got a better one. Well, she mentioned she was getting a smile makeover, so I decide to beat her to it. I think that was a mistake. I didn’t do a lot of research because I wanted to do it before she did. My veneers look fake. I’ve only had them for a few weeks and already two of them have fallen off. What did I do wrong and can I fix it?
Thanks, Samantha
Samantha,
The only thing you did wrong, in the case of your veneers, is to put your teeth in the hands of an bad cosmetic dentist. You’re right that you should have done more research. Most people do not realize that cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. What that means is any general dentist can call himself a cosmetic dentist regardless of the training (or lack of training) that he or she has.
It is obvious in your case the dentist was not very well trained in cosmetic procedures. Once porcelain veneers are bonded on, the stay on. They would not just fall off. Secondly, you said they look fake. My guess is the dentist made them too opaque, because he didn’t have the training to create veneers with that natural translucency you get in your teeth. Well-made veneers will absorb and reflect light just like your natural teeth do.
What can you do about it? Unfortunately, the only thing you can do is have them re-done and NOT by this same dentist. You’ll need to do some research. The first order of businees is to find a dentist in your area who is accredited (not just a member, but has reached accreditation status) with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). These are the top dentists in the world and they will give you a smile that will make not just your sister, but everyone around you jealous. Even if you have to drive a ways, it will be worth it.
This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods, MI Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.