Television shows such as “Extreme Makeover” The Swan, and Doctor 90210, have created a large demand for cosmetic dentistry. The doctors and the dentist on these shows are an elite group of highly trained professionals that are able to create what was once considered impossible.

A highly trained and accomplished cosmetic dentist is capable of incorporating a whole host of dental procedures in conjunction with artistic perception to produce that perfect smile. Unfortunately, not all dentists that try their hand at large-scale cosmetic cases possess the advanced training and, or the artistic perception required to create the “perfect smile”. 

Porcelain veneers are considered to be permanent restorations, with esthetics and strength similar to that of natural teeth. Properly placed veneers should last between 7 to 15 years.

You stated your veneers were done to straighten your teeth. To assure the best result, this procedure requires a suitably trained cosmetic dentist in close concert with a cosmetic dental laboratory. Together they will create your new smile in the form of a wax model. Another method used by cosmetic dentists is to temporarily create your new smile directly over your teeth with tooth colored filling material. With this method the patient has the advantage of immediately seeing their new smile in their mouth. Both of the above procedures allow the patient to see what the new smile will look like before the dentist starts reducing the natural teeth. If any changes are to be made, it is relatively easy at this point in the procedure.

Your dentist may have used the “prep and pray” technique. Utilizing this technique, the dentist prepares the teeth and then allows the lab technician to create the veneers without a clear plan on what the final smile should look like. This is risky and lends itself to a myriad of surprises!

A properly trained cosmetic dentist will carefully plan for the final result. There should never be surprises when veneers are placed. When veneers are properly prepared, the temporaries should feel very close in shape and size to the final veneers. If necessary, the temporaries can be altered. The laboratory is notified of the changes, and the changes are then incorporated into the permanent veneers.

It sounds like your dentist lacked the proper training and or aesthetic vision needed to accomplish the desired result. Properly done, a veneer case should look good, feel great, and last a number of years.

Better smiles for all,

Dr. John