I was so excited to finally get my new Lumineers! I ended up getting five put on my teeth which I was excited about at first. But, I’m about at my wits end because they keep falling off. I keep having to go back to the dentist to have them bonded again. It is getting so annoying. But this time when one came off, I swallowed it. Are you kidding me? Now my dentist is suggesting porcelain veneers that are supposed to be something like $1,200 a tooth. But I just paid a lot of money (by my standards) for Lumineers. Any advice? I don’t know what to do.

– Kelli in Arizona

Kelli,

Sorry to hear that your Lumineers are giving you so much trouble. You may be surprised to hear that this isn’t that uncommon with Lumineers. Many times patients simply aren’t happy with the result. Although the marketing behind the brand makes them sound like the best thing since sliced bread, the no-preparation technique sometimes can leave them looking bulky, too long, and when they are done by a dentist that may not have that much training in cosmetic dentistry, they sometimes fall off.

Whether you are interested in Lumineers or traditional porcelain veneers, it’s the cosmetic dentist that matters. There is much advanced training required beyond dental school to do beautiful cosmetic dentistry. They must also possess an artistic eye, understand the advanced bonding techniques and materials required, and really understand what you are trying to accomplish with your smile design to deliver a beautiful smile. But since cosmetic dentistry isn’t a regulated field within dentistry, any dentist can place them. As a patient, you tend to take a dentist at his or her word. But you really need to investigate and research their credentials and experience to understand their skill level. Ask to see cases similar to yours, check out their training, and ask for testimonials. An excellent cosmetic dentist will not hesitate to win you over.

As for moving forward with your current dentist, maybe you could request that the amount that you are due for the Lumineers is credited toward porcelain veneers. That said, investigating their experience would be wise before making any final decision.