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POSTED UNDER Porcelain Veneers REVIEWS

Replace Old Veneers with New, Not As Happy with the Result As I Had Hoped - Trenton, NJ

ORIGINAL POST

My original veneers were put on in 1989. I had...

staceyv64
$2,800
My original veneers were put on in 1989. I had them on the front 6 teeth. They held up pretty well, but my gums were receding a bit and my front one was crooked (never noticed until recently). My family dentist said he could do them at a fraction of the price of a cosmetic dentist so I agreed. He took impressions before and then grounded (grinded?) off the old ones and took impressions again. It took about 3 or so weeks for the new ones to come in. In the meantime, my gums where the temps were got inflamed and bled a lot.

Fast forward to installation day, he pulled off the temps and sanded to make sure all the cement and stuff was removed. He started put them on from right to left. I am not a dentist, but I would assume you would start in the front and work back. He did the right 3 and got to the front left and it didn't sit right, so he went to the 5th and 6th. He then went back to the front left and said it still did not sit right so he was going to send for another. He took another impression, put on another temp, and I was on my way.

He got the replacement in a week and put it on. I am very far-sighted, so when I looked in the mirror at his office, it looked fine. When I got home, I noticed that the right 3 are set farther back than the left 3, with the newest front one sticking out farther and longer than those on the right. I also see that the newest one is not covering the tooth as properly as it should, with a dark edge closer to the next one back. Also, a lot me air goes thru the left teeth, almost to where I feel like I have a lisp.

I understand he is not a cosmetic dentist, but I am not happy. In fact, I am very self conscious of this. I just wanted straight, whiter teeth that didn't show a receding gum line. I didn't ask for the tooth shapes to be different.

I have an appt Wednesday for a cleaning and time to discuss going back one more tooth on each side to make the smile better. But I think this front one, and possible the left 3 may all need to be redone because they are not aligned with the 3 right. Is this something I should not be expected to pay for? Because if I have to pay for his mistake, I will be pissed!

Does anyone have experience with what a dentist is ethically responsible for? I understand if I didn't like the color, that would be my fault.....but if he put them on incorrectly, is he obligated to fix? At this point, the last thing I want to do is compound the issue by getting - more on each side. I think the problem was that he had nothing to align teeth 5 and 6 since he skipped the front one, and had he done the 2 front ones first, and worked back, everything would be lined up.

staceyv64's provider

Robert Marus

Replies (17)

July 14, 2014
Based on your description it sounds like you have a long standing relationship with your family dentist who placed the most recent anterior restorations. I'm glad to hear you have scheduled a time to discuss your concerns with the treating dentist. I'm sure they will welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and listen to your concerns. I think every dentist wants to do good dentistry and you should expect the the restorations fit well. There are a variety of recommended techniques and sequence plans for the try-in and bonding of restorations. Typically each dentist will find what works for them and use the best method for the given situation. We think it is important to always give our patients the opportunity to evaluate the color, shape and subjective appearance and approve any restorations prior to final bonding. If the restorations were not seated correctly or if another related problem exist I'm confident almost every dentist would offer to correct the issue for you without charge. A quick digital radiograph (xray) can verify the fit of the restorations in questions and you can then decide together how to proceed. I do agree that more teeth need to be treated to improve the overall contour and shape of your smile. Only you can decide if you feel comfortable proceeding with more restorations. We wish you the best of luck!
July 14, 2014
Thank you for your comments, Dr Broome. In fact, this is a new dentist that I have been seeing for about a year. My former dentist had insisted on crowns for the front teeth and replacing the other 4 with new veneers. The cost would have beem more than double. I don't have many recent pics of me with the older veneers but I don't recall them being as big as the new ones that the first set of molars that did not have veneers would look so small. I think that also has me self conscious. I did not get to see the finished product before they were permanently bonded. Overall, the size and color are fine, with the biggest issues being that the front left is crooked and the 2 teeth next to the left of it are aligned with it and the left canine is too big as well. So, I'd like the 3 left ones replaced, not at my expense, and I will add the next 2 back at my expense. I hope that is considered reasonable.
August 2, 2014
Where are you? Sound like the dentist that cares about his work. So tired of being "took". Thanks
August 2, 2014
My reply was for doctor Broome, or is there a place to find an honest doctor?
September 3, 2014
My practice is located in Charlotte, NC. http://destinationsmile.com/
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July 15, 2014
I'm sorry you aren't happy with the results :(.  The only veneer I notice at all is the upper left central incisor--it just looks a little bigger than the others.  I'm happy to see that Dr. Broome answered you already.  You may also consider asking a shorter version of this question (with the same pictures) to the rest of our dental panel in the doctors' Q&A section.  You can use this link if you'd like to do that.  I hope you get the info you need!
July 15, 2014
Thanks for responding! I did post the question in the Q&A section. The receptionist from the dentist office called yesterday and said he is aware we need to discuss the one tooth. I will deal with the additions later. I just hate that tooth! I had them replaced because the right one was crooked......and now with the new ones, the left one is! Will keep you posted!
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July 15, 2014
Thank you :).  And I'm glad that you asked in Q&A--it should be posted soon!  Please let us know when you get answers since, unfortunately, there is no way for us to follow you, just your review, so we won't know if the question gets answered.  But you will :D.
July 15, 2014
Will keep you posted!
July 16, 2014
As promised, I wanted to let you know that a dentist did respond and said that she did not think the veneers looked good and that the front 2 teeth are the most important and that the dentist should redo them so they are all in alignment. That being said, i am not sure if it is possible to fix one and leave the others as they are. I asked that question but she did not comment on that. My appt is this afternoon, I will let you know how that goes. My guess is that the dentist will do what is easiest and most cost-effective for him, as I would assume this has to come out of his pocket since he did them incorrectly. Maybe I am wrong.....
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July 16, 2014
Thank for letting me know!  I went and took a look and by now there are 3 different answers to your question.  I think all of them were asking for more information?  They mentioned x-rays and before pictures.  I think it may be more difficult to get x-rays, but do you have any before pics you should show? I guess they're trying to ascertain whether that tooth that sticks out a little did that prior to the veneer being placed.  It sounds like they had faith that your doctor would make it right if your teeth were straight before, though.  I'm guessing you're either at your appointment now or already done.  I look forward to hearing the outcome!
August 2, 2014
I am wondering the same thing , I've paid cash more than 10,000 for 8 veneers, and they are not done right, for this kind of money they should be perfect. Instead of mistake (s) being covered up w/"you don't want to look like denchures?!!
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August 3, 2014
@luckylarose, do you have a review as well?  I'd like to read your story.
August 11, 2014
Yes, after having 8 veneers, I had temp. And was told what you see is what you will get, so make changes now, well, I did not want giant horse teeth and made that clear before my temps were made. Temps were bigger than I was used too, but correct. My teeth were wore short, so it took awhile to learn to smile and show them. Had to practice. Very excited about new teeth to come. Billing very vague. 5,000 up front, also have insurance billing. After temps and "free fillings"(3)(got to see temps) another 5,000, cash, then lumineers? Not sure, maybe I Only have veneers? I don't know. My dentist is elusive (on vacation this month) also paid another 5,000 on permanent tooth coverings. Do they look better than my "old"teeth? Yes!! Are they 15,000 better? NO Left incisor looks like vampire tooth, and is different color, teeth on both sides do not fit, pointy, all 3 , hate them. I am left handed, sided, get me? Shelf on tooth behind giant canine collects stuff, I can stick my finger in there. (Nail)
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August 11, 2014
Hmm…I think you should make a review so you can post a picture.  Cause you can't post pictures in comments yet.
October 23, 2016
I totally agree with you, I have a veneer and a crown front 2teeth. What I noticed with you was the fact your gums are inflamed why I don't know. My veneer and crown are perfect now after deep cleaning done under anastectic. I am 63 of age and have teeth better than ever. No margins any more, cleaning took care of receding gums.
November 16, 2017
could you share the names of the dentist(s) you used so we know who to avoid and who to use? thanks.
UPDATED FROM staceyv64
1 month post

Return visit

staceyv64
I saw the dentist and he agreed that the tooth looked a little thick and stuck out. So we are redoing that one, but not until he returns from vacation on 7/28.

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM staceyv64
1 month post

Here are some "before" photos...

staceyv64
I never realized how many pics there are of me with a closed mouth smile! This is the best I can do with before pics. My left tooth did not stick out. In fact, my right veneer was quite crooked. So I don't think the issue is with my tooth, I think that the veneer is to thick. But you tell me. I also included a shot with my temps.

Replies (1)

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July 16, 2014
Thanks for the before pictures!  Yeah, it looks like it's your right veneer in the last pic, not the left.  Glad he agreed with you on the left tooth.  Hopefully he'll be able to make it right, especially if it's just because it's a little too thick. :)  It's a bother to wait, but this part of the summer is always rough for that.  We've got a bunch of stuff on hold too because of vacation season.  Wish we could afford to go on vacation ;). LOL!