Tag Archives: ugly porcelain veneers

A Tale of Two Dentist

IT was the best of makeovers, it was the worst of makeovers.  My dearest friend and I got our smiles redone. We live in different cities and so we use different dentists. However, we get together twic a year for two weeks each time. I was quite looking forward to our next meeting, becuase we’d get to show off our smiles to one another. I loved my new smile and ahave been enjoying flashing it around quite a bit. We were going to hit the town with our hot pearly whites. You can imagine my dismay when my friend’s smile ended up looking quite eratz. She could tell by my face I was unimpressed was hers. Plus, mine was so much more brilliant in its color scheme and looked much more natural.  Does she have options?

Cyrienne L. – St. Louis

Cyrienne,

I’m sorry for your friend’s experience. Unfortunately, it is not an uncommon one. There is a lot more to cosmetic dentistry than just learning how to bond on porcelain veneers. Not only is the technical training important, there is a significant amount of artistic training that is necessary too. Some of that can’t be taught. Everyone is different in their level of artistry and what kind of eye they have for aesthetics.

Your dentist obviously had the training and artistry. Your friend’s, unfortunately, appears not to have.  It’s quite difficult to get a refund on cosmetic work. That “ethical” standard is they have to be functionable. Well, you can be functionable and horribly ugly.  My suggestion is you have your friend get a second opinion regarding her porcelain veneers, preferably from someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

Sometimes dentists will be more willing to give a refund if their professional reputation is on the line with another successful dentist in their area.

This is important. If she gets her refund and she decides to have a new smile makeover, it is imperative she chooses the right dentist this time.  Ideally, you’ll want AACD accreditation–even if you have to drive to another city for the work to be done well. Let me know if you have trouble finding one in your area and I’ll help.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.