Dentist is Trying to Force Veneers on Me Rather Than Filing Two Uneven Teeth?

Question

I am a 24 year old female who had braces in early high school. After years of not wearing my retainer consistently, I now have a gap between both front teeth and one tooth has grown longer than the other. I would like to simply file the longer tooth down--as I think my gap gives me character, but my dentist is pushing for veneers for the sake of my enamel and longevity. But don't veneers require filing anyway? It seems like the more expensive route to ruining my teeth either way...help!

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Yes, you can certainly just shorten the longer tooth by drilling off a little.  Cosmetic dentists do this all the time.  It is called "cosmetic recontouring".  That won't close the gap between your teeth, but if that is all you want fixed, there is nothing wrong with doing what you ask.And yes, doing porcelain veneers will require some drilling of your teeth, but doing direct composite veneers may not.  Which option did he suggest?Either way, shortening your tooth or doing veneers isn't going "to ruin" your teeth.By the way, I think your choice of of some of your words is over reactive.  Your dentist can't "force" you into getting veneers.  He might feel strongly that veneers will be the best overall option to making your front two teeth the best, overcoming the difference in length between the two and the space between them. But he didn't throw you down in the dental chair, tie you up, and against your will started making porcelain veneers for you, did he????  My guess is that he was a little too pushy "selling you" on the concept of veneers.  If that is the case, and you don't want that treatment, then nothing in the world is stopping you from leaving his practice and finding a different cosmetic dentist who will "listen to you and, if appropriate and ethical", do the treatment option you ask without hard selling you.

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

I would reexamine your relationship with your dentist. He should never "force" any treatment on you. The pros and cons of any treatment or lack of treatment should be fully explained to you so that you can make an informed decision on whay YOU WOULD LIKE DONE!

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

There are
several ways to proceed which will make them look more aesthetical, re-contouring
and fillings could work. It would help a lot if you could post a picture or
send it to us. That way we can advise on your specific case.

Dentist is Trying to Force Veneers on Me Rather Than Filing Two Uneven Teeth?

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Dentist is Trying to Force Veneers on Me Rather Than Filing Two Uneven Teeth?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.