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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Can my porcelain veneers be reshaped and darkened?

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In February, I went to a large dental practice for porcelain veneers because I saw commercials that said they specialize in veneers and that I could get the best results possible. I went in for a consultation and even got a computerized before and after picture taken. The veneers were more affordable than I expected, but they also look horrible. The dentist there assured me that I would get a completely natural look, but the teeth really look generic. They look like off the shelf veneers that really don’t belong in my mouth. The teeth are also too straight and too white. If you could have seen how happy the dentist was about the look of my smile, you would probably laugh. He even asked me if I was willing to do a photo for the company with the chances of it being published in one of their brochures or commercials. I refused so quickly. I feel like my smile has no personality and that it is detracting from my looks. Is there any way a cosmetic dentist can correct my veneers or will I have to start all over? – Lizi

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneer

Lizi – Your experience is unfortunate but common. Although mega dental practices can quickly provide you with porcelain veneers, the results might not reflect your personality. A cosmetic dentist will provide you with a smile makeover that compliments your facial features, personality, and preferences.

Can Your Porcelain Veneers Be Corrected?

  • After porcelain veneers are made and bonded to your teeth, no changes can be made to them. The shape and color are permanent.
  • Attempts to change your porcelain veneers would likely ruin them.
  • Your veneers will need to be replaced with new ones.

You can request a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist. If you have pictures of your smile before you received porcelain veneers, it will help the dentist design a complimentary smile for you. Check the credentials of several dentists and request consultations. Be prepared to take notes and compare your options.

The good news is that you can receive a natural-looking smile that you’re completely comfortable with. A well-balanced smile can improve your social life and your quality of life.

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

 

Are you interested in advances in cosmetic dentistry? Learn how San Diego cosmetic dentist Dr. Doan uses Bioclear as an alternative to porcelain veneers for enhancing smiles.

My porcelain veneers are way too white

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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.