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My Dentist Over-Prepped My Teeth for Veneers and Messed Up My Gums

I chose an AACD member dentist for porcelain veneers. We agreed to six veneers, so she prepped my front teeth. When she finished the prep, I could see that it was aggressive. It caused gum recession. When the dentist put the veneers on, they bulged due to the recession. I complained and asked the dentist not to bond the veneers. She put the temporaries back on and said I would need to pay a lab fee to get new porcelain veneers. I got second opinions from two real cosmetic dentists with experience. They told me the prep was way too aggressive. If I choose a new dentist, my current dentist won’t reimburse me. I’m afraid of what will happen to my teeth and gums if I don’t refuse treatment from my dentist. Is there any way to get a partial refund or a refund? Thanks. Shannon from Oakland, CA

Shannon,

You’re fortunate to have identified the issue before your dentist permanently bonded the porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneer
A porcelain veneer

Although a dentist is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, membership alone does not guarantee expertise in cosmetic dentistry. Many dentists can join this academy, regardless of their skill level.

To find a qualified cosmetic dentist, look for their educational qualifications and experience on their websites. The smile gallery on a dentist’s website should demonstrate their work, skill, and artistry to produce natural-looking results.

With the assistance of a skilled cosmetic dentist, you can negotiate a refund for the unsatisfactory treatment. Additionally, you can always restore your original appearance. However, we encourage you to explore achieving a beautiful smile with a qualified cosmetic dentist.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post. Read why his patients think he is the best dentist in Rocky Hill.

My Implant Crown Doesn’t Match My Teeth

My dentist did my implant crown the wrong color three times. The shade doesn’t match my surrounding teeth. My dentist said the crown was a close match and suggested that I am fortunate that my dental implant is stable after requesting that she redo the crowns. I am dissatisfied with her work and want to switch dentists. Am I at risk of dental implant failure by having the existing crown removed? – Thanks. Nelson from CT

Nelson,

Removing a dental crown by grinding it will not damage the underlying dental implant. However, achieving a perfect color match for a front tooth crown requires meticulous attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship.

Graphic model of a dental implant in the bone with natural teeth on either side
A dental implant crown should match surrounding teeth

Standard shade guides, such as the Vita shade guide, often fail to provide an exact match for front teeth. Shades like A1 and A2, while suitable for back teeth, are inappropriate for the aesthetic demands of a front tooth. Dentists must customize the standard shade to achieve a more precise match by incorporating additional tints and shades.

A common cosmetic dentistry approach involves the following:

  • Draw a detailed color map – The dentist will outline areas where additional tints (e.g., pink, yellow, blue) are needed. This map serves as a blueprint for the dental ceramist, who will meticulously apply these tints to the crown to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural teeth.
  • Conduct a try-in – After the initial crown fabrication, the dentist conducts a try-in to assess the color match. Any discrepancies are noted and communicated to the ceramist, who may further adjust the crown.
  • Take a picture of the try-in – Digital allows precise visual comparisons and more accurate color corrections.

Only once a perfect color match is achieved is the implant crown permanently cemented.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post. Read why his patients think he is the best dentist in Rocky Hill.