I had cosmetic bonding done about six months ago to fix a chip and close a gap between my front teeth. It felt very rough and awkward from the very start and I couldn’t speak properly, but my dentist said I’d get used to it. After about a month, I went back in and he made some adjustments, then told me to spend more time adjusting to them. I tried. I really did. They felt a little smoother after that, but still bulky and messed with how I talk. I gave it until about the four-month mark and went back in for more adjustments. At that point, the dentist said if I couldn’t get used to the cosmetic bonding, we’d just take it off. Well, that’s where we wound up. I had the work undone last week. My teeth do feel almost normal again, but the look really splotchy and uneven. My dentist says they look exactly how they looked before we did anything, but I really don’t think that’s true. I feel like I’m losing my mind a little. Is it possible I’m imagining this? What are my options now?
Thanks,
Uli
Dear Uli,
It sounds like you were treated by a general dentist rather than a cosmetic dentist, as cosmetic dentists typically take before and after photos so patients can see the improvements with ease after work is complete. Without something like that, it’s impossible to say or prove what your teeth really looked like prior to having the work done, though odds are your memory is correct. If you had a problem with splotchy teeth or discolorations before visiting the dentist, that would likely have been something you mentioned.
Cosmetic Bonding Can’t Be “Undone”
Unfortunately, there’s no real way to undo work once it has been done. Even very conservative dentists who don’t remove much of any tooth structure to prepare a tooth still make alterations to the surface. On top of that, the tooth-colored composite material used for procedures like this should match your tooth, meaning that even if it is being reduced or shaved off, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to see where the material ended and where your tooth began. Although it can’t be proven, it’s quite likely the dentist removed a bit of enamel while removing the cosmetic work, which could result in uneven coloring.
Visit a Cosmetic Dentist to Have This Fixed
If you want to have this repaired, you’ll need to visit a cosmetic dentist or a dentist who does a lot of this type of work. Depending on where you live, dentists may not be able to call themselves “cosmetic dentists,” or even say they specialize in cosmetic work, but you should be able to tell based on how he or she positions him/herself, viewing before and after photos with major cosmetic improvements, and reviews. Best of luck to you.
This blog is sponsored by the chairside veneer template system Uveneer.