Consent and Cosmetic Dentistry – The problems that can arise from having cosmetic dentistry and the importance of understanding the risks before treatment is considered.

Many people are attending dental practices to obtain the ‘perfect smile’ and veneers and crowns are a quick way of achieving this. However, some patients may experience problems with veneers and crowns and can be left suffering pain and with dental problems that they did not anticipate.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain made to fit over the front of a person’s natural tooth/teeth to ultimately improve their appearance.

Veneers can be used to correct uneven teeth and teeth which are discolored and therefore they are a popular choice among those wanting to change the appearance of their teeth.

Whilst veneers are a good way to improve a person’s smile, they do not last a lifetime and will require replacing, as they last around 10 years.

What are crowns?

Crowns are tooth shaped caps, that are placed over the tooth to completely cover the tooth. A crown can typically last for 15 years and can be used to save a tooth which has been damaged by decay, protect a weak tooth, restore an already broken tooth and for cosmetic purposes.

Consent

When undergoing dental treatment, it is imperative that a dentist has sought a patient’s informed consent, to ensure that a patient is fully clear on the treatment that they are undergoing. Therefore, a dentist should discuss, but is not limited to discussing:

• The significant risks associated with crown and veneer provision including but not limited to devitalisation and ultimately catastrophic loss because of the preparation of the teeth and the need for periodic replacement of the restorations with increasing destruction of the prepared teeth with each successive replacement restoration and the lifetime expense of future restorative work.

• Any alternatives or variant treatment options.

Problems that can arise from crowns and veneers

• Gum/mouth infections can occur if the veneers that are fitted are too large. If there is overhang from the veneer, bacteria can develop and cause an infection, along with soreness of the gums and swelling.

• Sensitive teeth, if too much enamel is removed during the preparation procedure, teeth can become sensitive and cause discomfort.

• A person may experience problems with their bite.

Our experience

In the Dental Negligence Team, we deal with many cases where clients have undergone full mouth restorations and have not been aware that there were other treatment options available. In some cases, clients have had unnecessary treatment, as they have only been concerned with their top teeth, but the dentist has suggested they undergo crowns or veneers to the whole mouth. Further, some clients have not been aware that the restorations will require replacing every 10 or 15 years.

In some cases, the person should not have had veneers or crowns fitted in the first instance, as they were not a suitable candidate. People who grind their teeth are not ideal candidates for veneers and this is sometimes not explained to those wishing to have veneers.

If it is the case that consent was not adequately sought and the Claimant would not have undergone the treatment, had they known all the risks and other treatment options available, these can be high value claims. As if successful, a Claimant will be able to recover the cost of the original work, as they would not have undergone this and the ongoing future treatment costs for life.

If you have any issues with veneers or crowns or a dental matter, please contact the Dental Negligence Team, who will be happy to assist and advise you on the prospects of bringing a successful claim.