I just got Lumineers on my top teeth, and the results are awful. It just seems like one thing after another is going wrong. Part of the problem is that I had some bonding done on my two front teeth to cover some staining, and that seems to have made the two front teeth seem way too bulky. My incisors were also quite prominent, and now they seem even worse.
I talked to my dentist about all of this before we ever placed the Lumineers. He told me that the lab people would know exactly how to correct for those issues when we sent the impressions of my teeth to them. This does not appear to have been the case at all! My Lumineers look terrible! They are too long, and too prominent. I look like I could start braying at any moment, and don’t even want to go out in public. My overbite is so pronounced now that my teeth come to the middle of my lower lip. My dentist told me the muscles of my upper lip will relax and that I will get used to the feeling, but I don’t see that happening.
What do I do? Can I ask him to remove them and refund my money? I have spent so much money on this, and the outcome is just awful. Please help.
Dennis in St. Joseph, MI
Dear Dennis,
Sadly, you are an example of what happens when general dentists without any training try to do smile makeovers. Lumineers are often marketed as the “no-prep” porcelain veneers, and that may create the impression that they are easy to place. In truth, exactly the opposite is the case. It takes MORE skill and experience to place Lumineers successfully without any preparation of the tooth surface.
Your dentist’s statement that the Lumineers lab would “know what to do” is a strong indicator that he is very inexperienced. The lab does NOT know exactly what to do. Your dentist is supposed to issue instructions to the lab, not expect them to provide the expertise.
Legally, you are in a tough position if the Lumineers are functional. Because the ADA does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a legally distinct speciality, the Lumineers are judged by the standards of general dentistry. In short, if the teeth are functional, they will be deemed as adequate.
Your only other recourse would be try and persuade the dentist to refund your money.
This blog provided as a courtesy of York PA cosmetic dentist Dr. Currie.