Two weeks ago I had Lumineers put on six of my teeth, and I’ve had nothing but trouble since. Four years ago, I had dental bonding done on the front two teeth, to cover some staining. I told my dentist this before we placed the Lumineers, because I was worried that it would make the Lumineers stick out too much, but she said that it would not be a problem, and that because the Lumineers are “no prep”, the lab people would be sure to accommodate for the extra material on my front teeth. That is SO not the case!
My teeth look AWFUL. They look like fake teeth, and don’t even seem to go with my face. I am so embarrassed I won’t even go out in public right now. I went back in yesterday and got into a big argument with my dentist. She says they “function fine” and that I will “get used to the new look” but there is no way I am going to get used to this. What are my options? As it stands right now, I told her I will be taking her to court. Things got so bad I am pretty sure I will need to find a different dentist to fix this problem, as there is no way I am letting that woman mess up my teeth anymore.
Help. What do I do?
Adrienne in Cheyenne, WY
Dear Adrienne,
We are always really sorry to hear stories like yours. You have been the victim of a general dentist who tried to do a smile makeover without adequate training, skills or aesthetic sense. The first indication of trouble should have been when your dentist said that the lab people would know how to accommodate for the bonding. Your dentist is the one directing the process – the lab people only know to do what she tells them to do!
In terms of your options, you may not have many. It is significant that she said your Lumineers are “functional”. If they are indeed functional, then you don’t have any legal recourse to sue her. Cosmetic dentistry is not a legally recognized specialty, so it is evaluated by the same standards as general dentistry, which is focused on function, not form.
Without legal alternative, your only choice is to ask her to refund your money. Like so many service professionals, your dentist relies on good word of mouth to keep her business healthy. One angry customer can do enormous damage to a professional reputation. We hope you find a solution.
Posted courtesy of Grosse Pointe Woods cosmetic dentist Dr. Hadgis.
For more information about Lumineers and other porcelain veneers, see our website.