I went to my dentist to ask about getting e.max veneers and he suggested that I would be a much better candidate for 360-wrap veneers. I was a bit nervous about the 360 part because I did not want much tooth removed. I specifically asked about that and the dentist told me hardly any and I’d have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, not only was that a lie but this whole procedure has been a disaster and I have been left afraid to leave my house for fear of another tooth falling off.

It started with the temporaries. After just two days, two of them fell off while I was brushing my teeth. I went back and my dentist bonded them back on. Then, they came out again, plus another one, a few days later while I was out to eat with friends. Again, I went back to the dentist. They assured me that this would not happen once the permanent 360-veneers were placed. This turned out not to be true. I’m facing the same issues with the “permanent” ones. Plus, each one that has fallen off has left me with a tiny nub underneath, which is certainly not what they told me would be the case. I’m afraid to go anywhere and with the holidays approaching, I’m terrified I am going to lose teeth at the family gatherings, two of which are out of town and I will not be able to get to my dentist to rebond them. Do you have any advice for me?

Candice

Dear Candice,

I am so sorry this happened to you. The first thing you should know, but I think you’ve figured out, is your dentist did not give you 360-wrap veneers. In reality, there is no such thing. What he provided for you was dental crowns. Plus, he lied to you about the amount of structure that would have to be removed. Obviously, the man is ethically challenged.

Why would he suggest crowns when porcelain veneers are the standard for a smile makeover AND what you requested? The most common answer to that is he is not skilled in porcelain veneers, which takes extensive post-doctoral training, while every dentist has training in dental crowns from dental school. Rather than admit he can’t do them, he steers you to a different procedure with some creative phrasing (ie. lying). You should also know that he’s not a very skilled dentist even with dental crowns. While things can go wrong with any case, most dentists go their entire career without a single crown falling out, let alone the incredible number you’ve had fall out. A basic premise of a successful dental case is that the dental work actually stays in your mouth.

I would start by approaching him about these issues and tell him if he will pay for you to have this re-done by a dentist of your choosing you won’t take this any further. You do have recourse because of the poor dental work as well as the deciption. You could talk to the dental board, the insurance company, the Better Business Bureau, and even bring a malpractice suit against him. If you end up with the last option, make sure the lawyer knows that your teeth are now at a greater risk of breaking and needing to be permanently because of their being ground down for crowns.

It is always helpful to have a dentist look at your case and document what is wrong with it. My suggestion is you get an expert cosmetic dentist to do that.

Again, I am terribly sorry this happened to you.
This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.