Dr. Sam, a friend suggested that I go to his dentist in Tijuana (Mexico) for my porcelain veneers as it was so much cheaper. Now, three months later, my veneers look yellow. What could cause this?

Answer:

Porcelain veneers will be in your mouth for many years. To search for the cheapest dentist when you will feel it, talk with it, eat with it and smile with it, 24 hours per day seven days per week does not make sense. Why would you look for cheap porcelain veneers when the importance of the quality is so critical? Everyone that sees you knows they were done cheaply. Everyone then associates you with poor quality and fake teeth.

The whole purpose of porcelain veneers is to enhance your image and improve the quality of your presence. Going to a coupon dentist that discounts his or her work only forces the dentist to cut costs and cheapen their technique. There is a huge difference between dental labs and an every bigger difference between the cosmetic skills of the dentists.

Unfortunately, your only choice is to get your yellowing veneers replaced with a higher quality porcelain veneer. Sorry, but it doesn’t sound like “your friend” really understood the consequences of their recommendation. Now you know why you don’t want to go to Mexico for your medical and dental care. The savings are not worth the risks.

I respectfuly sugest that if you need a Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist, call us on (310) 829-6796

“Dr. Sam – Why should I not get my veneers from my general dentist? He is just so much cheaper. Will veneers from a specialist, such as yourself, be so much better?”

Answer:

The least expensive porcelain veneer is one that lasts and looks natural for many years.  The patients enjoy the benefits of the work of a true professional.  My first porcelain veneer patient was done over 25 years ago and is still functioning perfectly.  It is my Dad and he is 87 years old.

The dentist you choose depends on how much you care about the results.  Dentists that are working on everything have trouble developing a focus on anything.  Many patients have tried the cheaper route and are getting their veneers replaced because they hate them.  They think they are fake, bulky and break too easily.  When you think about it, you are going to be wearing the porcelain veneers 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  Some of these patients are so frustrated that they are afraid to eat because another one will break or fall off.

Others that chose the cheap route have teeth that do not look very natural.  Everyone that sees you knows you picked a cheap dentist.

Have you thought about having one of your front teeth break just before a big party or a job interview or important meeting?  These patients can tell you that the money they saved was not worth it.

Dentists can use less expensive techniques, cheaper dental labs, cheaper type of porcelain veneers and be far less skilled in bonding them to your teeth.  Today, the patients are more particular about how their porcelain veneers will look.  They look a photos of patients in my office and let me know which style or look that they like and don’t like.  They have seen cheap veneers on their friends  or on other people and do not like what they see. They are not going to make the same mistake that their friends made and enjoy the compliments they receive on their smile.

There are many dentists that you can choose to treat your smile.  The techniques and the technology matter more than the money but the most important element is the artistic and technical skill of your dentist.