I had a smile makeover in August. I have a small mouth and originally had a slight overbite, with my front teeth tilted slightly inward. I was also missing some back teeth. My dentist crowned my front teeth and placed five mini-implants in the back.

The problem is that my front teeth now look too large for my mouth, and my overbite is much more noticeable. I don’t feel comfortable smiling anymore because my teeth don’t look natural. A few people have even asked what happened to my smile.

The entire treatment cost $32,000. I left the week after treatment for my family caregiving rotation. I’m home now, but I haven’t had a chance to discuss the results with my dentist. What can be done to correct my smile? – Thanks. Leigh from Chicago

 

Leigh,

You will probably need to have some of the cosmetic work redone to achieve a more natural smile. The concerns about oversized front teeth and a more prominent overbite are unlikely to resolve without changing the restorations themselves.

Choosing the right dentist for the corrective work will be especially important. An excellent cosmetic dentist understands tooth proportions, smile design, facial features, bite relationships, and how the teeth should fit your mouth and face. You’ll benefit from learning more about these principles before choosing a dentist for a second opinion.

Could You Receive a Refund?

A partial or full refund may be possible, but an independent examination first can help determine the likelihood of getting one.  The new cosmetic dentist should evaluate both the appearance and function of the existing dental work.

It helps to separate dissatisfaction with the appearance from problems that may involve the quality or function of the treatment. The new dentist should evaluate:

• Whether the front restorations are appropriately shaped and proportionate for your mouth and face.
• Whether the treatment has adversely affected your bite or increased the appearance or severity of the overbite
• Whether the crowns are technically sound
• Whether the back teeth and five mini-implants are functioning properly
• How much of the existing treatment must be replaced to achieve an appealing result

If the work functions properly and the disagreement is primarily about appearance, obtaining a refund can be more challenging. If the evaluation identifies functional or technical problems, you may have a stronger basis for requesting reimbursement. A particularly poor cosmetic result may also support your refund request.

What If the Original Dentist Will Not Resolve the Problem?

You have several possible avenues if your dentist is uncooperative. The right approach largely depends on the independent cosmetic dentist’s findings.

A dental board complaint may be appropriate if the new evaluation identifies concerns within the board’s jurisdiction. If there is evidence of malpractice, you can speak with an attorney about legal options. An honest online review lets you relate the experience publicly, but it provides less leverage than documented professional or legal concerns.

Start with an independent evaluation. It will clarify what needs correction and provide useful information when discussing reimbursement with the original dentist.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Read why his patients think he is Lowell’s best cosmetic dentist.