I had Lumineers put on about 6 months ago on both my top and bottom teeth. While the top teeth are just fine, the bottom teeth have been in constant pain. I recently developed an infection on one of my bottom teeth. We tried a root canal treatment and that didn’t help. Now the tooth is being extracted and I’m getting a dental bridge. Could the Lumineers be the problem? The health of my teeth was fine before but I don’t want to jump to conclusions.
Kaleigh
Dear Kaleigh,
One of the problems with Lumineers is they are heavily advertised to inexperienced cosmetic dentists. This is because they’re told they are a no-prep porcelain veneer. While this can sometimes work fine on the top teeth, as yours have, the bottom teeth are a different story. Without tooth prep, the teeth will stick out about two mm. longer and thicker. This will put the lower teeth into a traumatic occlusion.
Even with other brands of porcelain veneers, which aren’t considered no-prep, dentists don’t often place veneers on the bottom arch. Usually, we will whiten the teeth and just place the porcelain veneers on the top teeth.
All of that to say, it is very likely the Lumineers are the problem. Your dentist needs to make this right. Fortunately, even though he doesn’t seem to have any significant cosmetic training, fixing this will only require basic general dentistry. He should be able to make things right.
What to Look for in a Cosmetic Dentist
You may not be aware but cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty. They are just general dentists who do cosmetic procedures. The level of training and skill they have in those procedures varies from dentist to dentist. Think of it like an artist. You can have two sculptors but one of them will be better than the other even if they’re working with the same materials and subject.
It’s the same with smile makeovers. It requires both technical knowledge (which your dentist lacked) as well as an artistic eye. Without both of those, there will be either problems with the veneers or disappointment in how the smile turns out.
If you are ever in need of another cosmetic dentist, I’d like you to check the mynewsmile.com website. This site is run by a retired accredited cosmetic dentist. He prescreens every dentist who wants to be listed for both the above requirements. They can’t just pay to be listed. Any one of their recommended dentists can give you a stunning smile.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.