I have a problem that I don’t even know if it can be fixed. I had some teeth with dental bonding on them. The bonding was getting old and needed to be replaced. I had moved since having it done and thought one dentist was just as good as another. Boy was I wrong. When he told me that bonding couldn’t be replaced and said I’d need porcelain veneers instead, I believed him and looked on the bright side that they last longer. However, when he realized I had fillings he said the only thing that can be done is dental crowns. I reluctantly agreed because I couldn’t just leave my teeth as they were. However, the crowns look awful. Plus, my two front teeth are more gray than the other four crowns, yet my dentist insists they’re all the same color. Can this be fixed?
Penny
Dear Penny,
I am sorry you are facing this and wish you would have been able to talk with us ahead of time. As you’ve discovered, one dentist is not as good as another. It’s even harder when it comes to things such as cosmetic dentistry. There isn’t a recognized specialty, nor is it taught in dental school. For a dentist to develop the skills necessary, they have to invest in post-doctoral training. But, it is up to them how much, if any, they get. Yours apparently didn’t get much. He missed the mark on quite a few things.
First, dental bonding can be replaced. So, I have no idea where he got that one from. Next, you can get porcelain veneers even if you have fillings. So, both those things would have been possible without grinding down your healthy tooth structure. It’s too late at this point. We can’t get that structure back.
Where to Go from Here
We can at least get your dental crowns to match. I think you need to ask for a refund on those two crowns. He may not give it to you and unfortunately, when it comes to cosmetic work, not liking how they look is not a mandated reason for a refund if the work functions properly. You could tell him that you will be leaving a review about how he misled you to see if that will convince him. Maybe he’ll care about his reputation.
Then, I’d like you to see a dentist who has invested in the training necessary to do this well. My suggestion would be to look on the mynewsmile.com website. These dentists are prescreened for their artistic ability and training. They will give you dental crowns you will be proud to share.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.