Hi, I just got two Lumineers to fix some chips and other problems with those two teeth.  The problem is they are darker than my other natural teeth. My dentist keeps telling me he gave me the lightest shade and if I’d just stop whitening my other teeth (which I don’t anyway) they would match up.  I see people with teeth whiter than even mine, so what exactly does he mean by the whitest shade?

Breanna N. from Wisconsin

Breanna,

The problem is your dentist is a general dentist who does cosmetic dentistry and not an expert in the field. It takes significant post-graduate training to become really skilled with cosmetic dentistry.

Here is what is happening. It dental school we are taught the whitest “natural” shade for most teeth is a B1. I suspect that is what he ordered from the lab. We can get teeth much whiter than that, but the lab has to be instructed properly.  I’m surprised the only thing you didn’t like about your Lumineers was the color. Many people find that brand of porcelain veneers to be a little bulky.

There is no way to change any brand of veneers once they are permanently bonded on. You can, however, get them removed and have another brand of porcelain veneers placed. However, don’t go to your family dentist again. Look for someone in your area who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, Louisiana dentist Dr. Mike Malone.