In February, I switched dentists because I moved 70 miles from my former dentist. I chose my new dentist because her office is close to work and her fees are more affordable than most. My teeth were severely decayed, so the dentist recommended porcelain crowns for my upper six front teeth.
My dentist told me that I would receive all-porcelain crowns, so when the crowns were placed, I assumed that I was receiving them. But when I looked at my teeth in the mirror, I knew something was wrong. My dentist explained that halfway through the procedure, she saw that there wasn’t enough space for all-porcelain crowns, and their contact with the bottom teeth would wear down the edges of the bottom teeth. She ordered porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns from the lab. She never told me about the switch. She placed them, and only after asking me to look in the mirror, she mentioned the change.
My eyes were full of tears. I’m disappointed because I know I’ll have a black line around my gums that shows when I smile. Although the crowns don’t look bad, they aren’t what I expected and agreed to.
My dentist told me that the crowns look good so I shouldn’t complain. She also said that if I get a second opinion, the next dentist will tell me that same thing. She said that my case is closed. I’m beginning to regret looking for a dentist based on location and fees. I’ve been robbed of my money and my smile. What are my options? – Thanks, Kelsie from Mobile, AL
Kelsie,
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are not your only option. Many skilled cosmetic dentists place all-porcelain—or all-ceramic—crowns on upper front teeth. The difference is that cosmetic dentists are artists with advanced training who understand which materials to use to minimize wear on opposing teeth. An advanced cosmetic dentist will ensure your porcelain crowns fit well and keep your bite aligned.
You can pursue legal action against your dentist, and you might have a good case based on her actions:
- Gave you porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns without your consent
- Didn’t give you the opportunity to refuse the crowns.
- Isn’t agreeable to correcting the issue and ensuring our satisfaction.
Another option is to get a trained cosmetic dentist to re-do your crowns at the expense of your current dentist You can report the case to the state dental board and ask an attorney to send a letter to your dentist about the violations of your rights. Your current dentist will likely be willing to compromise.
How Can You Avoid Receiving the Wrong Restorations in the Future?
- Ask your dentist what type of restorations you will receive.
- Keep track of when your dentist says he or she will place an order with the lab to craft your crowns. Ask again about the type of crowns you’ll receive.
- Before your crowns are bonded to your teeth, as your dentist if your crowns have a metal foundation, or if they are all ceramic.
Although a skilled cosmetic dentist’s fees might not be as low as your current dentist, there are ways to make treatment affordable without sacrificing quality. Talk to your new dentist about payment options.
Ryan Perry, DDS, of Baton Rouge sponsors this post.