I am in tears and have been hiding in my house because my smile looks so ridiculous at this point. I had 8 Lumineers placed on my teeth at quite an expense. These were supposed to last many years, yet in just four months two have fallen off and one is cracked. Plus, my gums are inflamed and hurt like mad. I don’t know how this happened. She assured me she was a certified expert in these. Is there any recourse here?
Meg
Dear Meg,
I’m glad you wrote. First, you should know being certified to place Lumineers by no means makes her an expert in either cosmetic dentistry or Lumineers. All the Lumineers certification means is that she completed a seminar. It does nothing to test her technical skill or her artistry. She obviously had neither.
In order to get a smile you are proud of, you are going to need to have another dentist do this case over. This time an expert cosmetic dentist. While there is not a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry, there is a way to find someone with real expertise. My suggestion is to look for a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. AACD accredited dentists have to pass stringent oral and written exams, in addition to demonstrating their artistry on a large number of cases to an examination board. Those who pass accreditation are among the top 1% of cosmetic dentists in the country.
Don’t be surprised if the new dentist suggests a different brand of porcelain veneers. This Lumineers brand is highly marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists. However, most expert dentists do not like to use that brand. This is because the manufacturers insist dentists use their lab, which is not known for their artistic work.
You should be able to get a refund on this work you have already have done. They’ve fallen off. They’ve cracked. They are even having a negative impact on your gums, which can lead to permanent damage. If the dentist is unwilling, you may have to get tough. Start by having the new dentist contact her. Sometimes dentists care more about what their peers think than patients. That may be enough pressure. If that doesn’t work, tell her you’ll go to the dental board. Her work doesn’t meet the minimum standard of care. She will not want the board involved.
This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.