I think I may have gotten the wrong procedure. I spoke with my dentist ahead of time about what I wanted. A whiter smile that was a little taller and broader. I also didn’t want to see so much of my gums when I smiled. My dentist suggested porcelain veneers. I got them and couldn’t wait to see my new smile. I’m really disappointed with the results. While they are close to the color I wanted, and (as my dentist pointed out) nicer than my old smile, They’re still short. I still see a ton of my gums, and worse one side of my gums seem lower than the other. I shared my disappointment with my dentist. He said he always does beautiful veneers and has never had a complaint. H e pointed out that my smile wasn’t very good to begin with and this is way better than what I had. While true, it isn’t what we’d discussed. Did I get the wrong procedure? All the porcelain veneer before & after photos I looked at showed that veneers could reshape your teeth.
Cyndy M – Wisconsin
Dear Cyndy,
It sounds to me like the problem with your smile makeover isn’t the procedure. Porcelain veneers are the right treatment. The problem is the dentist. I’m not basing that just by his results and lack of planning. I’m also basing it on his attitude. Many family dentists, with good intentions, do cosmetic dentistry. However, it takes a lot of post-graduate training, not to mention an artistic eye to do a beautiful job.
In dental school, dentists are taught that they know what is best. But, those dentists who do extensive cosmetic study know that smile makeovers are about how the patient feels about their smile. If they’re not thrilled, the treatment was a failure. Period.
Unfortunately, the only way to fix this is to re-do the procedure entirely. Plus, your gum issue has to be addressed before the veneers are done. You’ll want some gum recontouring done.
To answer your question, yes, porcelain veneers can reshape your teeth. They can make them taller, broader, whiter, thicker…you name it, they can do it.
If I were in your place, I’d go to an expert cosmetic dentist and have him evaluate your porcelain veneers. Based on what you’ve described, I think (with a little pressure from your second opinion dentist) you should be able to get at least a partial refund.
I’d go to a dentist who has reached accreditation status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).
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