Is it normal to not have had temporary veneers?

Question

I had 6upper veneers done, have had them for a couple of months now and am getting increasingly unsatisfied because the overal look is fake. Reading these q&a i realise a lot of people got temporaray veneeRs, I didn't. My dentist did not ask me for input on how I wanted my teeth to be, and the only time he actually asked for approval was when the porcelain veneers had already arrived: he placed them on my shaved off teeth and asked 'is this ok? and that was that. Is this behaviour professional?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello there,I'm sorry that you're unhappy with the veneers that your dentist did, but from your description of things, I wouldn't call him unprofessional.  I always tell patients to look at the before and after photos and read the reviews of the dentist that you select to do your porcelain veneers.  That's because you spend a lot of money on a smile that you want to still love 20+ years from now.  Materials matter; cost matters; and skill of dentist matters most.  I'm not saying that your dentist doesn't have great skills, I'm just saying that looking at his before and afters will tell you more about what you can expect of your own veneers.  Many times, if you don't see any before and afters at all or don't see ones that you actually like, then you're just assuming that in the end, you will like what he likes, and that may not be the case.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDSt. Louis, MO area (O'Fallon, IL)Real Self 100

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

Most patients receive temporaries while getting veneers.  These protect the teeth and also give the patient an opportunity to see what the dentist's and lab's vision is for the final restoration. If minimal prep or no prep veneers were done it is possible that you might not get temporaries.  In my office I always provide temporaries as it is very important in the planning stages to avoid situations that you are describing here.  I would call your dentist and let them know your concerns.  Most of the time we do not want patients who are unhappy with the results and will do what is necessary to rectify the situationGood luck

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

It is true that most patients receive temporaries. These protect the teeth and also give the patient an opportunity to see what the dentist's vision is for the final restoration. If minimal prep or no prep veneers were done it is possible that you might not get temporaries. When the dentist asked you if you liked the veneers did you spend some time evaluating them before you agreed? Each dentist developers their own method for involving patients in their  treatment. It is unfortunate that you are now dissatisfied with your treatment outcome, but your dentist did nothing technically wrong. I suggest visiting with your dentist and discussing your concerns. Most dentists want their patients to be happy with their final outcome. I hope you get things worked out.

Sue Wendling, DMD (retired) · Answer

Besides protecting the teeth from sensitivity while the permanent veneers are being made, temporary veneers are also called a "trial smile". This way, you and your doctor can discuss your expectations of the final look of your new smile.

Is it normal to not have had temporary veneers?

Answers (4)

Answer: Temporary veneers

Answer: Temporary veneers

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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

Is it normal to not have had temporary veneers?

Answers (4)

Answer: Temporary veneers

Answer: Temporary veneers

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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