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Dentistry/Veneer recommendation.

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Question
I have upper dentures which I will be replacing very soon.  I have had full dentures for about 30 or more years. I am trying to make a decision on whether to get veneers on 8 bottom teeth which have been worn down quite a bit by my upper teeth.  I have been quoted about $13,000 Canadian for this work to be done.  I have to no problem with the cost or getting the work done if I am guaranteed to be happy with the cosmetic results and that I will not have problems in the future.  What is a veneered tooth decays, what would have to be done?  Are there any other forseeable problems?  Thank You for your reply.

Answer
Dear Dolores:  I certainly would not guarantee your happiness with anything I do.  I will guarantee your satisfaction.  But almost nothing I do will make you "happy".  Being happy is up to you.  Changing things in your mouth is a process, and the likelihood of you being happy is as much in your hands as in your dentist's.  If veneers decay, they can be repaired or replaced.  Veneers can break.  Veneers can fall off, then be re-cemented (if you don't swallow it).  My father-in-law needed his hip replaced.  One year later, it became loose and had to be replaced.  He was sore for a year after that.  Are there guarantees?  No.  But he finally ended up happy.  Your dentist should be answering your questions, because they are valid ones, and your dentist knows how his patients respond to his veneers.  Good luck.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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