My New Veneers Look Darker Than My Bottom Teeth In Natural Light, What Can I Do To Match Them Up?
Hi Mark, what steps would you expect a cosmetic dentist to take to ensure a match to whitened teeth when replacing old veneers on other surrounding teeth? I had very yellow bottom teeth lightened successfully with Enlighten. After the whitening I got new veneers on my top teeth but my new veneers are actually darker than my natural bottom teeth. I only noticed when I got home and looked in a mirror in natural light. I contacted my dentist right away but he says he is not responsible and I must pay to replace if I’m not happy. I only got the chance to check them in a poorly lit mirror in the surgery with artificial lighting and couldn’t bare my teeth properly as my mouth was so numb. I never thought they could end up darker than my natural teeth and I trusted my dentist when he said they were a good match to my natural teeth. He also gave me some more Enlighten to try and lighten the tooth under the veneer from the back of the teeth which seems unlikely to work. I would really appreciate some advise on this as my dentist is just saying I should live with it or to get them redone.
Kind regards.
It is very important to do a visual try in of your final veneers and it sounds like this was done. I always make sure the patient has checked them several times and is absolutely sure they are happy before we bond the veneers on – with veneers it is not usually possible to ‘temporarily’ cement them and then remove them later to bond them properly.
I agree it can be difficult to check properly when you are numb. Bleaching behind can work – I have achieved success with this myself – but it is not guaranteed. It is however worth trying it, because as you say the alternative is to accept them or have them remade.
Teeth can darken after veneers are done of course and some years later the dentine inside the teeth can thicken causing them to appear darker under the veneer. How long has it been since they were fitted? I always personally assess the colour match myself as well as asking my patients and if it looks too dark I’d return the veneer to the laboratory and make adjustments before finally cementing.
Your teeth will also darken after the whitening and so I would advise that as a second step try reviewing the shade after 6 months – but do NOT continue to bleach your natural teeth.
If you discuss matters with the dentist he may consider offering you a discount to replace the veneers. This is what I’d do. And if the background costs are covered then it should keep everyone satisfied?
Best wishes
Mark.
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