Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

I hate my porcelain veneers because they are way too white. Nobody thinks they are my real teeth. People actually ask me if I am wearing veneers or something over my teeth because they are so white. It is embarrassing. I know that they are not my real teeth, but aren’t porcelain veneers supposed to look natural? This is much whiter than I thought my veneers would be.  The cosmetic dentist that placed them is not my regular dentist, but she insists that I approved the color. I asked her to remove them and send them back to her lab to have them darkened. She says that it’s too late to darken them. Is this true? I am disappointed that I am not being offered any alternatives for this problem. Thanks for your help. – Sunni

Sunni – After porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth, no changes can be made to them. Even if the veneers were removed, the porcelain is color fast, and it cannot be changed.

Bonded veneers can’t be made darker or lighter. At this point, if you are able to prove that the color of veneers you received is not the color you approved, it may assist you in getting new veneers. You can consider tactfully asking your cosmetic dentist to compare the instructions on the color of your veneers that was sent to the lab with what was actually received. It is unfortunate, but at this point, the only way to receive more natural-looking veneers is to have them completely redone.

We hope that your cosmetic dentist will be willing to work with you to ensure that you get natural-looking veneers. If not, find another cosmetic dentist who will examine your teeth and veneers and let you know your options. An accredited cosmetic dentist is trained and skilled to product lifelike results.

This post is sponsored by Lowell accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

I am trying to narrow down cosmetic dentists in my area who do a great job with dental crowns on front teeth. The issue is it needs to be done pretty much within 4 days. I will be on assignment overseas starting July 18. The only time I have for any dental work is 4 days. So I’ve found several cosmetic dentists online who look like they have good credentials. I know some specialists can do amazing job but they have to take their time and go slow. I only have 4 days, so how do I find out if the dentist can do the crowns quickly? Thanks Milton

Milton – Beautiful dental crowns require more than four days. A skilled cosmetic dentist works with a master ceramist to produce lifelike crowns in a lab. It is a challenge to provide natural-looking crowns for front teeth, and the process should not be rushed.

Your porcelain crowns should match the color and characteristics of your natural teeth. It takes time to manipulate the porcelain and create a perfect match. It may take a week or two to receive your custom crowns from the dental lab.

If you have an immediate need for restoring your teeth, speak with two or three cosmetic dentists to get a recommendation for a temporary restoration. A high-quality temporary crown can last many months. The condition of your teeth will determine what dental work should be done and when.

We recommend that you not rush the process. You may be able to find a cosmetic dentist to quickly provide you with dental crowns for your front teeth, but you when you see the results, you may regret it.

Have a consultation with two or three dentists, and discuss your options first. Ask to see before-and-after photos of each dentist’s work.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.