I chipped my two front teeth. When I went to see my dentist he suggested I use Lumineers to fix them. The price was way higher than I expected. He did say because I would be one of his first cases, he’d be willing to do it half off. I’m just still having doubts. Is this the right way to go?
Andrea
Dear Andrea,
I am so glad you wrote. This could have ended up a total disaster. First, this isn’t the standard procedure for fixing a chipped tooth. Lumineers, along with other brands of porcelain veneers, are used for total smile makeovers. This is when you want to change a lot about your teeth— the shape, the size, the color, etc.
When you just want to fix a chipped tooth, the way to do that is a much less invasive and less expensive procedure known as dental bonding. This uses a composite resin that your dentist will hand sculpt onto the tooth to recreate the missing tooth structure.
Should Your Dentist Practice on You?
While it is great that your dentist is willing to offer you half price because you will be his first cosmetic patient, this could end up giving you a smile you are ashamed of. Every dentist has to start somewhere. However, if you were going to let a dentist practice his cosmetic skills on you, I would make him sign something that said he will re-do the Lumineers as often as necessary for you to be completely happy with the results.
To do that, he will need to try them onto your teeth with a temporary try-in paste. When that is done, you should get to look at them in different lights and angles. Only if you absolutely love them should they be bonded on permanently.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville, IL Dentist Dr. David Potts.