We had Lumineers placed on my daughter’s teeth to improve her smile. We were told by our dentist that this would be the least invasive. We were also told that we would get to see and approve the results before anything permanent was done. However, that did not turn out to be the case. When they came in, I could tell right away they were going to look too big for her mouth. They did use a temporary try-in paste. We were told she’d get to walk around with them and decide what she thinks, but that didn’t happen. When I expressed concern about them looking too bulky and box-like, they told me that they would look normal once they were bonded in. That did not turn out to be the case, either. I said that and they told me to give it a week and we’d probably love it. When she went to school, the kids teased her mercilessly. Most called her horse teeth. The “nice” kids told her they looked okay but not natural. Now she’s in tears and doesn’t want to go back. I don’t want her falling behind. Now they are saying they can shave them down, but I’ve lost confidence in them, what do I do?

Lisa

Dear Lisa,

Under no circumstances should you allow them to shave your daughter’s teeth. This is a horrible idea that can not only permanently damage her teeth, but will also take off the glaze from her Lumineers. They will be completely vulnerable to stains.

Lumineers are just one brand of porcelain veneers. However, they are highly advertised as being easy to place to inexperienced cosmetic dentists. Unfortunately, that rarely works out well for the patient. It sounds like the dentist who did your daughter’s work isn’t very skilled in porcelain veneers. This is an advanced cosmetic procedure which requires a significant amount of post-doctoral training.

I recommend you just ask them for a refund and then have her work done by a dentist with post-doctoral training.

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