I paid to get 10 Lumineers. Unfortunately, I made a mistake going to my current dentist. I went to him because he was significantly cheaper than the other dentists in the area. Now I know why. I should have guessed when he had so much trouble putting them on. It took FOREVER.
Just a few days after he put them in, one fell out. Since then another one cracked. Additionally, I developed gum inflammation, which I’ve never had before. By then, I was completely fed up, so I did some research and learned what a real cosmetic dentist is. I got a second opinion. He said it was the poor placement that led to my gum inflammation. I had to have my gums lasered to take care of that problem.
I’m having all ten Lumineers re-done, but this new dentist said that the Lumineers aren’t the best quality, so we’ll do a different brand of porcelain veneers. It’s going to cost me more than the last dentist, but I think the better smile will be worth it. I was wondering if there was a way to get any of my money back from the last dentist?
Cheryl O. from Rhode Island
Cheryl,
Because it is a matter of incompetence in placement, there is a good chance that you can get at least some of your money back. First, I’d ask nicely. If the dentist doesn’t agree, you can threaten to sue and that may soften his heart. You’ll need to get the current cosmetic dentist to document the poor workmanship and have him be willing to say that this job was not up to industry standards. You should also show that it led to needing gum disease treatment. With all of that documented you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting some of your money back.
The only problem you may run into is getting the current dentist to testify. Sometimes dentist don’t like testifying against one another because it is not a great way to make friends in your peer group, but if he workmanship was bad enough, he may be willing.
I’m sorry you had this experience. Hopefully you’ll tell your friends about it so they don’t make the same mistake. Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. Any general dentist can learn a cosmetic procedure and call themselves a cosmetic dentist. However, it takes a great deal of post-graduate training to really be skilled in cosmetic dentistry.
I’m encouraged that your current dentist isn’t a fan of Lumineers. Their are many different brands of porcelain veneers, you and your dentist can determine which brand is best for your case. The Lumineers lab insists you use their lab, and many better cosmetic dentists prefer to use their own master ceramist.
This blog is brought to you by Grosse Point Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.