Dr. Hall,
I had 3 porcelain veneers and 1 porcelain crown put on today. The temporary ones I had in were too long, so I asked for the real ones to be a tiny bit shorter. Now, I feel like they are too small. I only got to look at them for a minute in the chair before they cemented them on. Also one of the insicors is smaller than the other. Is it possible to re-do veneers? Would it be a big pain for the dentist? Thanks so much.
– Katie in Nebraska
Katie,
Yes, it’s possible to re-do the veneers. That is the only way to make them longer. Yes, it would be a big pain for the dentist. But yes, I would ask that he or she do that for you.
I’m assuming that you did the porcelain veneers because you wanted a beautiful smile. So that is what you paid for, and I think you should insist that your dentist deliver that. I’m guessing that you’re paying several thousand dollars for this, and therefore you should like the end result. And the two corresponding lateral incisors should be similar in appearance. You don’t want them exactly the same, but they shouldn’t draw any attention and should be the same length.
I’m fairly confident that your dentist isn’t an expert cosmetic dentist, and the reason I say that is the comment you made, “I only got to look at them for a minute in the chair before they cemented them on.” That is so typical of general dentists. A genuine cosmetic dentist understands that the work needs to please the patient, and will generally make sure that you get a full opportunity to study them carefully BEFORE they are permanently bonded. If you can get this dentist to re-do them, then teach him or her that he or she needs to make sure you get a good look at them to make sure you like them. A good cosmetic dentist will allow plenty of time for you to do this.
But you also need to realize that you’re at the mercy of your dentist here. If the work is functional and looks halfway decent, even if you don’t like how it looks, your dentist has met the standard of care, according to the laws and the dental society. If he or she doesn’t want to re-do this, you have no leverage to force the issue. So be sweet and persuasive when you address this. And tell your friends to make sure, if they want a beautiful smile, to seek the services of expert cosmetic dentists like we recommend on this web site. Then they won’t ever find themselves in this situation.
– Dr. Hall
Related links:
Vivaneers are a brand of porcelain veneers made by Glidewell laboratories
Read about the proper care of porcelain veneers
Click here to find a cosmetic dentist
About David A. Hall
Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.
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