I was so excited about getting a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, but the excitement has quickly turned to disappointment and total frustration. After getting six veneers placed, I’m now in the middle of a nightmare trying to get the dentist to refund at least some of my money. The veneers are horrible and they need to be redone! I tried to tell him over and over that my teeth felt bulky and uncomfortable, but he pretty much blew me off. He tried to tell me I was wrong and even convince me that they were comfortable. How would he know?? I pleaded with him, but he wouldn’t make any adjustments. I left his office in tears. I found another dentist who tried to help me by shaving down some of the bulkiness, but I’m still not happy with how they look and feel. Is it too much to ask to just have a beautiful smile? I paid for it, but didn’t get it. What can I do? — Hailey
Hailey,
Your frustration is understandable. Unfortunately, this is very common, especially when general dentists try to take on cosmetic procedures. There’s a big difference in the attitude of cosmetic dentists and general dentists. Much of that stems from what dentists learn in dental school, and that is basically that THEY know what’s best for patients regardless of the situation. A skilled cosmetic dentist is the exact opposite and they strive to understand what a patient wants and they make every effort to listen and respond to feedback in order to get the very best result.
Dentists are great at fixing things. That works when it comes to things like cavities or other problems, but when you’re talking about cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers, a cosmetic dentist is all about creating a beautiful result. Only a very small percentage of dentists can actually do this.
What you need to do is find an expert cosmetic dentist who can help you achieve that smile you are dreaming of. One that is focused on artistry and who truly cares and will not let you leave the office until you are completely satisfied. Many will even offer a beautiful smile guarantee. As for trying to get that refund from your other dentist, keep at it, but be as pleasant as possible. He might be more open to listening to feedback from your new cosmetic dentist, so don’t be afraid to enlist his or her help in the process. Here’s to a beautiful smile — good luck!
This blog is sponsored by Dr. Stephen Doan. Find out more about the services he provides by visiting his La Jolla cosmetic dental website.