Can you advise me? I spent a small fortune to get my smile updated. I’d had some cosmetic bonding on my front teeth which was showing its age along with a dental bridge. I went to a dentist who advertises as specializing in cosmetic work. He replaced the metal bridge and then planned crowns on the remainder of the visible front teeth. When they put in the temporaries, they told me they wanted to be certain I’d like them. I’d brought them a very specific smile design I wanted so I was glad to hear them say that. Unfortunately, it proved not to be true. When the permanent ones came in they weren’t the same color. I mentioned that and they said they’ll look different in my mouth. They didn’t. I told them, they still looked dull. Then they said it was because I see them differently in this light. Which, by the way, was the same light I saw the temporaries. When we got in a different light I noticed, they didn’t match the metal bridge. Their response, was, “Of course they don’t. The bridge is metal.” Then they bonded them in even though I wasn’t happy with them and said I’d get used to them and love them. I don’t. I don’t know what to do. My teeth are not what I wanted and don’t match.
Patricia
Dear Patricia,
When you get a smile makeover, you should be thrilled to share your new smile.
You have a great case to have this re-done by a dentist who actually knows what they’re doing, but you are going to have to be tough. This dentist behaved quite unethically based on what you’ve said and I don’t think he cares whether you like your smile or not.
Aside from shoddy cosmetic work, they violated a very important principle of dental practice, which is informed consent. You did not consent to them bonding in your new smile. In fact, they badgered you into it by trying to make you feel unreasonable. This was after they promised you that you’d get to approve the smile and love it first.
Dealing with Shoddy Smile Makeovers
Because they didn’t have your consent, you have the right to have this done again. However, I wouldn’t trust this dentist to do it. Instead, have them pay for an excellent cosmetic dentist to re-do your work properly. You may have to involve a lawyer, but you’re on solid ground.
It’s unfortunate he ground all those teeth down for dental crowns. Porcelain veneers would have been a better option for you and is much more conservative on your tooth structure. Seeing as you had crowns done (through no fault of your own) you will have to have crowns done again.
This time, get them done by someone who’s invested time and training in cosmetic dentistry (which by the way isn’t a recognized specialty). In your place, I’d go to mynewsmile.com and see which dentists they recommend in your area. Anyone on their list will give you a stunning smile makeover you’ll be proud to show off.
This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.
