Expert: Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO - 7/4/2006

Question
Replacing porcelain veneers

Dear Doctor Finnk,

I recently had 8 veneers installed on my upper arch and I’m terribly disappointed with the results.  I have two complaints: the veneer shade is yellower than I’d hoped for (my own tooth shade shows through) and the lateral incisors are too short.  

I asked my dentist for a bright, white smile but he suggested that the shade of enamel I preferred would be too bright and too artificial looking.  I took his advice and downgraded to a more natural shade and now I’m deeply disappointed with the results.  I’d wanted a dazzling Hollywood smile but instead I’m stuck with a smile that’s only a shade or two brighter than what I had before.

Before he cemented the veneers in place, he placed them on my teeth for my inspection.  Looking at them briefly and awkwardly from the dental chair, the length difference between the centrals and the incisors wasn’t obvious to me, but now that they’re cemented in place, it’s obvious to everyone and it makes me furious.  I had wanted all four central teeth to be longer and fuller and all touching the same line along the bottom edge.  Shortening the centrals isn’t an option –  I don’t want shorter centrals, I want longer laterals.

Absolutely no one, including my own husband, has noticed that I’ve done anything to enhance my smile.  I’m angry that this painful and expensive procedure has turned out to be such a huge disappointment.   I feel as if I just paid $8,000 to have my teeth cleaned.  My dentist simply didn’t understand my aesthetic goals, nor did the lab that prepared the veneers.  

Crazy as this may sound, I’m willing to have the veneers redone.  I’m writing to ask you if this is even possible.  I’m 40 years old and I originally had my centrals and laterals veneered when I was 20 to close a gap and correct some crookedness.  That set lasted almost 20 years.  I had those veneers removed when I had this second poorly-done set applied.  If I have the central four redone, it will be the second time that veneers have to be removed from those teeth.  Is it possible that there isn’t enough tooth structure left to do yet another set of veneers?  What about applying Lumineers instead?  Can they be applied over the veneers I have now?  

I’m desperately worried that another dentist will chip off my current veneers only to discover there isn’t enough remaining tooth structure and then tell me I have to have all four central teeth crowned.  I don’t want to do myself any more damage than I already have, but my vanity just can’t live with this failure.  

What would you suggest?

Many thanks!
Greer Johnston


Answer
Dear Greer:  You sound very knowledgeable on the subject of veneers.  And I understand your disappointment.  If your dentist understands as I do, he/she may remake your veneers to your liking, at no charge.  If not, find out which dentists in your area have provided veneers that look good to you, and use one of them.  Call for consultation, and look at pictures of their results.  Lumineers MAY work for you, but the dentist you choose will have to decide.  I don't know how your teeth were prepared, but I suspect that if your veneers are removed, there will be plenty of tooth structure to place new ones.  You are right.  You deserve what you asked for.  Good luck.  dd