After getting ten upper porcelain veneers, I complained to my dentist that the veneers affected my speech and bite. My dentist removed the front four veneers to replace them. While taking off the veneer for the left central incisor, he broke off the tooth. I needed an extraction and dental implant. Now, I am wearing a temporary crown while the implant heals. My dentist estimates it will be three to four months before I can get the final crown.
I asked my dentist to compare my temporary veneers, which fit well, with the permanent ones to see what went wrong. My dentist claims the lab made the veneers for my first molars too short because they used my original bite. I am now wearing nine temporary veneers and a temporary implant crown. Two of the veneers are too long and touch my lip. I know that I must keep calm. I should switch dentists in the middle of treatment. Could I make things worse if I switch? Thanks. Maria
Maria,
Although Dr. Gavrilos would need to examine your teeth, veneers, and bite to identify the problem, something is going wrong.
Porcelain Veneer Are Too Short
If porcelain veneers are too short, they will affect your speech. However, it is not the lab’s fault. Before a lab makes your veneers, your dentist gives them instructions. The issue is the vertical dimension and collapsed bite, which can cause long-term problems. Although you already have speech problems, the issue can progress to TMJ disorder with jaw and neck pain and headaches.
What Is Vertical Dimension?
Vertical dimension is your lower jaw’s (mandible) vertical position in relation to your upper jaw (maxilla) when your mouth is closed and your upper and lower teeth touch. Taking physical measurements is not enough. Assessing how vertical dimension affects your facial appearance and speech is essential.
It takes a highly trained dentist to correct vertical dimension—beyond what dental schools teach. A skilled dentist may recommend orthodontics before completing dental restorations.
Several steps are involved:
- Replicating your bite on an articulator—a machine that allows the dentist to analyze all your bite movements
- Using temporary restorations to test in your mouth and establish a vertical dimension
- Send your case on the articulator with detailed instructions for a lab to reconstruct your mouth
Breaking Your Tooth When Removing Porcelain Veneers
After a dentist bonds porcelain veneers to your teeth, they become a second enamel. A dentist must gently grind them off—not try to pop or pry them off. Your dentist’s method of removing your porcelain veneers broke your tooth and created the need for a dental implant. That is inexcusable. And we encourage you to hold your dentist responsible.
What’s Next?
What you describe sounds like a dentist must completely redo your dental work. Your dentist seems to be incapable of restoring your teeth correctly.
- You can explain to your dentist that you know he has violated the standard of care.
- You will find a new, expert cosmetic dentist to correct your bite and replace your dental restorations.
- Insist that your dentist pays for the work and forwards your dental records to the dentist of your choice.
- If your dentist is uncooperative, promptly report the issue to your dental insurance company to see if they provided benefits for any of your treatments. Report the problem to the state dental board.
- Without exception, transfer to a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry and experience with proven skill in occlusion and bite.
We sincerely wish you success and a healthy, beautiful smile.
Barrington, Illinois, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. James Gavrilos sponsors this post.