ugly porcelain veneers Archives

Fake-looking porcelain veneers.

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have been saving up for years to have my smile improved with beautiful porcelain veneers. I feel conned and am so frustrated at how they turned out. I think they look huge when I smile and unnaturally gleaming white. Ugh! In fact, I saw myself in a photo and I think they honestly resemble Chicklets. Will I get used to them? Or do you have any advice? Please help, I’m feeling desperate.

– Rebecca in Idaho

Rebecca,

Sorry to hear that your expectations have fallen short. Porcelain veneers are a large investment and you should in no way have to settle or try to get used to them. Based on your description, it sounds as if you went with no preparation veneers or very little preparation for the teeth. These no prep veneers are appealing but sometimes just don’t work well on everyone. One popular brand of ultra-thin, no prep veneers is Lumineers and sadly, the comments you have made are not uncommon among Lumineer patients.

The bottom line is that porcelain veneers, really any type of cosmetic dentistry, truly is an art. The cosmetic dentist must have the right experience and advanced training in order to do beautiful work. The lab is also a very important competent in achieving beautiful veneers. Have you talked to the dentist? If he or she is a skilled cosmetic dentist, they will not rest until you are satisfied with your smile design. By nature, true cosmetic dentists tend to be perfectionists, so they consider your smile a failure unless you absolutely love it. Hopefully your cosmetic dentist will work with you to make them right. Otherwise, it may be wise to find an expect cosmetic dentist that can address these issues you are unhappy with. Best of luck!

Why on earth did the dentist put stain on my Lumineers?

September 12, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I had four Lumineers on my teeth from a long time ago that looked ugly, so I’ve been planning to have them redone for awhile now. Well, I just had 10 new Lumineers done and I hated the color. The dentist used a stain to make them look “natural.” I thought I had thoroughly explained that I wanted a white smile. So when I called in to complain, he had me come back in to fix the color. He drilled off the top layer to whiten them, as I was freaking out inside. Do you know what it sounds like to drill away over $13,000?! Was drilling really the right way to handle botched Lumineers? Now, I’m left with dull, lifeless veneers. The shape is messed up too. Is there anything that can help?

-Beck in Illinois (a.k.a. Going Broke and Still Not Smiling)

Beck,

This sounds like a cosmetic dentistry horror story. And sadly, it happens more than you might think. At this point, it sounds like you are coming to grips with the fact that there isn’t much that can be done to fix your Lumineers. Although, if they are really bad, there is a chance you may be able to pursue a refund, either partially or hopefully a full refund. At that point, you may be able to have the porcelain veneers redone.

The first step is to find another cosmetic dentist to help support your cause. The new dentist would have a vested interest of course, since you will still need to have your porcelain veneers redone. So, the new dentist may be willing to put some pressure on the dentist to help you get a refund.

As you select a new dentist, you need to look for an excellent cosmetic dentist. As you have realized and experienced, not just any dentist can do cosmetic dentistry. Any dentist can claim to do it, but fewer than one to two percent of dentists have the artistic ability and passion to create beautiful work. Another issue at play here is that most true cosmetic dentists don’t like Lumineers. This is because this particular brand of porcelain veneers come with strict trademark restrictions, which dictate them to be done in their laboratory. Also, the results aren’t up to the standard of most excellent cosmetic dentists. In the mindsof a reputable cosmetic dentist, the best Lumineers case may deliver an okay or above average smile. They often end up looking opaque and bulky. An expert cosmetic dentist will settle for nothing less than perfection and for you to absolutely love their work. That is the dentist you’re after. One that would go to bat on your behalf so you end up with the beautiful smile you deserve.

As far as your comment about the stain to whiten them after drilling them down, this probably is a result of a technique taught in dental school. Instructors (without cosmetic dentistry expertise) would state that a “natural” stain should be placed on teeth, so they don’t look too white. He was probably taught that if the teeth were too white, they would look fake. But, a true cosmetic dentist will listen to you and deliver results that are exactly what you are trying to achieve. They will figure out what smile design is best for your face shape, personality and complexion.

In order to get the smile you have in your mind, unfortunately the cosmetic dentistry needs to be redone. This time around, choose carefully. Ask to see cases similar to yours, look at their portfolio of work and be sure they have extensive advanced training in cosmetic dentistry. If you find a dentist that is a member or affiliated with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, you are on the right track.

Sorry there isn’t better news for you. But thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully, it will protect another patient from falling into a similar situation with a dentist that isn’t equipped to provide beautiful cosmetic dentistry.

I’m living a porcelain veneers horror story!

September 4, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’m so sad. My porcelain veneers look terrible. I have been seeing the same dentist since I was five years old. I love going to see him. When I was in for a regular checkup, I mentioned that I had a really big project at work. It was an opportunity for me to expand my role at and I would be highly visible. He offered to do porcelain veneers to improve my smile. And I didn’t think twice about it. I have always trusted him. I have only ever had positive experiences at the dentist.

So, he did the work. Well, I guess that was a big mistake. I am so unhappy with the results. They are oddly shaped for one. The color isn’t right. I don’t know how to explain it. But, they look fake. The best way to explain it is that it looks like I have Chiclets glued to the front of my teeth.

But, the thing that is most frustrating is that I can’t talk normally. My tongue keeps getting stuck on them and I sound funny. This is a nightmare. I’m not only paranoid about only how they look, but I’m embarrassed that I sound funny. What do I do? I don’t want to damage our relationship. But, I’m mortified. I have to get them fixed or taken off.

-Elizabeth in Louisiana

Elizabeth,

Oh no! This is an unfortunate situation. The bad news is that the porcelain veneers cannot be removed. When porcelain veneers are placed, a tiny bit of the enamel is removed so that they can be permanently bonded in place. When porcelain veneers are don’t correctly, the tooth preparation steps ensures they look completely seamless and natural-looking. But, it also means that they cannot be removed. Your smile won’t look like it used to. Also, your teeth would be more susceptible to decay.

You have learned the hard way. There is a fundamental difference between cosmetic dentists and general dentists. It sounds like your general dentist is a wonderful dentist, seeing that you’ve been going to him since you were a child. But, he simply may not have the training and experience to do beautiful porcelain veneers.

To be an excellent cosmetic dentist requires extensive training beyond dental school. A cosmetic dentist is passionate about creating beauty, in the same way an artist is obsessed with creating art. Think of your smile like a canvas. That is how a true cosmetic dentist is motivated. They want nothing more than for you to fall in love with your new smile.

I know you don’t want to hear this. But, you probably need to see a different dentist to get this straightened out. One that is highly experienced in cosmetic dentistry. If it was only a matter of fixing the speech issue, your dentist may be able to make some adjustments. But, it sounds like there are many things wrong with the smile design. So, the porcelain veneers need to be replaced.

You need to talk to your dentist. He may end up offering to redo them for you. But, it is not in your best interest. He probably had the best intentions. He’s just not equipped to do the highly-skilled, aesthetic work that is needed. You may be able to see if he will refund you or give you some money back, so you can go elsewhere to get the smile you deserve.

You shouldn’t feel bad. Honestly, it’s probably him who will feel really bad. You can continue seeing him for your routine care. But, for the porcelain veneers and any future cosmetic dentistry, be sure you find a reputable cosmetic dentist.

Look for one that has many before and after photographs to share with you. Ask about their training, what other services they provide and how they will improve your case. Good luck to you!

Is it common for porcelain veneers to have a bump?

September 3, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My two front teeth have been troublesome over the years. I have had them bonded but they kept needing replaced, so I decided to try out porcelain veneers. Well, that didn’t work for me either. I felt like they looked bulky. So the next dentist decided to do bonding again. That was a joke, my teeth have never looked worse. So onto the next dentist that is swearing by porcelain veneers that require shaving of the enamel? It is like a little bump near the gum line apparently? Is that common? I have about had it. But I’m hoping third (or fourth) time is a charm.

I have the temporaries in now and they look okay. I have seen a lot of photos and they have a hump near the gum line. Is there a brand that doesn’t have the hump? I’d love some advice because this is getting kind of ridiculous.

– Paulette in Florida

Paulette,

It sounds like you are experiencing a lot of general dentists that may claim to do cosmetic dentistry. Sadly, they may not have had the expertise required to deliver beautiful results. If you are seeing humps near the gum from your current dentist, you may want to cut your losses before the permanent ones are placed. In order to do beautiful porcelain veneers, a cosmetic dentist must have much advanced training and an artistic eye. Cosmetic dentistry is not regulated so any dentist can claim to do veneers. But as you can see, you have had several failed attempts.

The bottom line is that there should be no hump or bump or any visible distinction from where the natural tooth ends and the veneer begins. If there is any kind of area that is not seamless, you run the risk of bacteria and plaque getting into that area.

It sounds like you have gotten yourself in quite a predicament going from one dentist to another. An expert cosmetic dentist should be able to create beautiful dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or porcelain crowns. Since the front teeth are indeed so visible you need to do some research and ask to see cases similar to yours, as well as inquire about the dentist’s training and credentials. It’s not about the right brand or you selecting the right treatment plan, it’s all about selecting the right cosmetic dentist.

Since you are already in the process of moving forward with this dentist, it is understandable you feel obligated to give it a shot. If you do decide to stay with this dentist, be sure to get a try-in appointment so you can see exactly what the new permanent porcelain veneers will look like before they are bonded in place once and for all. Don’t take his or her word for it. Make sure you have the opportunity to see exactly how they will look, so you know that you’ll like them. Don’t let the dentist tell you that they will look better after they’ve been bonded. As you now, that’s too late! An excellent cosmetic dentist will insist that you love the way the look. To them, their work is a failure if you don’t fall in love with them.

I want a Hollywood smile with Lumineers. Not generic knock-off veneers!

August 28, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have decided to go with Lumineers because from everything I have seen they are the best option to give me a glamorous Hollywood smile. My dentist is telling me he doesn’t offer Lumineers, but he can give me a beautiful smile makeover with other brands. But I really want the brand name Lumineers, not some cheap knock-off veneers. Do you think if I offer to pay him more he will give me the real deal?

– Serena in Tennessee

Serena,

Lumineers are very heavily marketing by Den-Mat Corporation, the company that manufactures them. Many people are attracted to Lumineers due to all the advertising hype associated with the brand.

You may be shocked to learn that many dentists don’t like Lumineers. They come with strict laboratory restrictions and often times the end result is not what you are envisioning. There is another factor to consider in that you may not be a Lumineers candidates. You also may not realize that there are many brands of porcelain veneers. And also many brands of no-prep ultra-thin porcelain veneers. So there are many options when it comes to getting that stunning Hollywood smile design.

What is much more important than any brand name, is finding the best cosmetic dentist in your area to place them. To do beautiful cosmetic dentistry requires extensive training after dental school. And just because a dentist says they do porcelain veneers or Lumineers, there is no guarantee you will end up with a beautiful smile.

You would be wise to listen to this dentist and learn more about his or her opinion of Lumineers. Now if you absolutely have your mind made up, you can call around and find a dentist that will place Lumineers. But hopefully this has you considering what you really want? If your end goal is a Hollywood smile but because of the way your teeth are aligned, they end up looking bulky and longer than normal, than it doesn’t matter what brand they are. Right? Think it through. Who wants ugly “brand name” veneers?

When selecting the right cosmetic dentist, you also want to be sure that you check out their credentials and ask to see examples of their work similar to yours. Offering more money to this dentist likely isn’t going to change the opinion of this current dentist. Why would you want a dentist to place Lumineers if they don’t like them and have no experience placing them?

Far too many people get lured in by the appeal of Lumineers. The reality is, it’s all about the skill of the cosmetic dentist that places them!

My porcelain veneers are way too white!

August 17, 2021 by Brian Sartin

Please help! I feel like I am living a porcelain veneers nightmare! I had nine porcelain veneers done a little over a month ago. They were placed on my lower teeth. When the dentist showed them to me when they came back from the lab, I told him they were way too white. So, he returned them and had them redone. I requested the new color blend in with my existing natural teeth.

Well, I came back when they were ready and he went ahead and permanently cemented them before I could even see them. But they’re terrible! They don’t blend in. They are way too white! I am in a wedding very soon and I look ridiculous, think Ross from that Friends episode with his glowing white teeth – but just on the bottom!

Not to mention, one of the veneers broke already after only a couple weeks of them being permanently cemented. When I left the dentist, he said he would cover any issues for two years without me having to pay. But, I’m wondering if that is odd? Should I be concerned that I will have more issues? I am beginning to thing this was a terrible investment. Do you think I can go see another dentist to get an independent opinion to make sure I’m not crazy? Please tell me there is hope.

-Jeff in Indiana

Jeff,

It is always difficult to give specific recommendations without having see your case in person. The first major red flag is (if I’m understanding correctly) that the dentist permanently bonded the porcelain veneers to your teeth when you didn’t realize he was doing that. It sounds like the second time they arrived from the lab, he placed them without showing you. Is that correct? If you didn’t give your consent, he could be in hot water.

You are required to give consent on any medical or dental procedure. Otherwise, you are dealing with what could be perceived as malpractice. It’s sounding doubtful that the dentist you saw was a true cosmetic dentist, because no cosmetic dentist would go ahead with the permanent placement unless they were absolutely sure you loved the color and look. Messing up the color not once, but twice is a big problem.

Another concern is that the porcelain veneer has broken after only a couple weeks. This usually is due to the bonding to the tooth being faulty. Cosmetic dentistry requires extensive training and understanding with dental bonding techniques and technologies. And it is sounding like your dentist may have been out of his league. A porcelain veneer is strengthened from the bond. They are fragile until they are bonded. But when they are applied properly, they can endure biting forces and daily use for many years.

In regard to the color being wrong, you may be able to get away with whiter than normal teeth if they were on top. But super white veneers on bottom teeth will look funny because the lower teeth are normally shadowed. You have every right to question your dentist. This doesn’t sound like work that is acceptable.

You are on the right track to consider seeking a second opinion. With their buy-in and agreement that the work is sub-standard, it may give you the extra boost you need to pursue a refund. You shouldn’t have to settle. You have many issues going on with your case and maybe even be able to get a lawyer involved. The color sounds off, the veneers were applied without you fully understanding what was happening and you have a broken veneer. Hopefully the dentist will work with you on the refund, so you can go can get the work corrected.

Thank you for your question.