I paid quite a large sum for Lumineers and they’re stained in just a few years. He never warned me that the composite bonding would stain so quickly. I can’t afford new ones. I thought he said they’d last for years. I know  that regular teeth whitening won’t work on veneers, but is their some special technique to whiten them?

Carly T. – Delaware

Carly,

Unfortunately nothing whitens cosmetic work, no matter what kind it is.  I’m a little concerned about what is going on in your particular case though.  You said you received Lumineers. Any type of porcelain veneer should last you for many years, some even your lifetime. They should not be picking up stains in just a few years.

I’m wondering if you didn’t get veneers, but maybe composite bonding as you mentioned that as well. Those will only last a few years and will need to be replaced.

Ask your dentist to be clear about which procedure you received. If it is Lumineers, something at your last check up damaged the glazing. Possibly they used something like a prophy jet on it, which would damage the Lumineers.

You may want to have another dentist look at them and give you a second opinion as to which procedure you actually received. If there was some incompetence or deception, the other dentist can help you in trying to get a refund.

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