Can a Dentist Make My Too Big Veneers Smaller?

My four front teeth have been crooked from an accident 12 years ago. Last year, at age 32, I decided to improve my smile with porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, I did not research dentists well enough or get enough information about what it takes to get quality veneers. Last December, I allowed my dentist to place veneers, but they are too big. The veneers are wider and longer than my teeth in general. I am embarrassed to smile. My crooked teeth looked better! Now I have a better idea of how to find a cosmetic dentist, but what can I expect? Is there a way to make my veneers smaller, or will I need new ones? If I need new veneers, I want to know how to get a refund. Gia T. from Brooklyn

Gia,

Thank you for contacting our office. It is good to know that you will research cosmetic dentists before choosing a new one to correct your smile.

Look for a dentist with extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. And schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists to discuss your options.

Can a Dentist Make Too Large Veneers Smaller?

In some cases, a skilled cosmetic dentist can shorten porcelain veneers. Depending on the extent of the changes required, altering the veneers might damage them or crack the glass. Also, drastic changes make it difficult to adjust the veneers and keep a natural-looking shape.

The best approach is to have an experienced cosmetic dentist examine your veneers. They will explain if and how much they can alter your veneers without damaging them. You mentioned that your veneers are too wide and long, so a cosmetic dentist will most likely recommend replacing them.

Moline, Illinois, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel sponsors this post.

My New Porcelain Veneers Are Too Short

Last week my dentist completed a crown and six porcelain veneers. I wore temporary veneers for several weeks and decided to get the work done finally. The temporary veneers were too long, so I asked for the final veneers to be slightly shorter. My dentist let me look at the veneers before he cemented them on, but I didn’t get a good look at them. My teeth are too short, and one incisor is smaller than the other. I know I won’t be happy unless the veneers are redone. Is it a big deal to lengthen porcelain veneers, or will a dentist need to replace them?  Thanks. Irina from IN

Irina,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question.

The only way to make your porcelain veneers longer is to replace them. And it is a big deal for your dentist. But if you aren’t happy with the results, you should ask your dentist to replace them.

Most people get porcelain veneers because they want a beautiful smile. You paid for a new smile, and an experienced cosmetic dentist feels obligated to deliver it. Porcelain veneers cost thousands of dollars—and you should love them. Although your incisors should be similar in size and shape, they don’t have to be identical for them to look natural.

The Difference an Expert Cosmetic Dentist Makes

You mentioned that you briefly looked at your veneers—not long enough to notice that they are too short and that an incisor is too small. Although your dentist might practice cosmetic dentistry, an expert cosmetic dentist lets you examine your veneers before bonding them to your teeth. If you choose your current dentist for replacing your porcelain veneers, insist that he bonds them on after you’re delighted with your smile.

Reasons to get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist:

• Legally—and according to the dental society—if a dentist restores your teeth and the work is functional, they have met the standard of care, even if you don’t like your smile.
• If your dentist doesn’t want to replace your veneers, you don’t have legal leverage to insist he does so.
• Be respectful and persuasive if you decide to keep the same dentist. But if you want a smile without disappointment, look for an advanced cosmetic dentist.

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a Moline, Illinois cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.