Bryanna,

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond to my request for help. You were so very helpful and I certainly did not expect such a comprehensive reply. It is comforting to know that I can log on to a website and get objective advice and information from a source that does not have a vested interest in what the recommended course of action should be.

It's amazing that after my visit today with the 5th dentist I have consulted with, not one mentioned that it might be risky to perform crown replacement again. I am very disappointed in the dental profession and the regulation thereof, especially that any dentist, with little or no training in cosmetic dentristy, can adverse their services as "cosmetic".

When you addressed my concern over the insurance billing and indicated that some companies will accept the "preparation" work and the actual "installation" work be conducted in different stages. This dentist did all the prep and installation on two visits in December 2007, in other words all the work was completed in December but she billed the insurance company for 3 crowns and two veneers in December and 3 crowns and veneers in January 2008, which idoes not accurately reflect what was done.

Also, I appreciate your comments about what she should have discussed with me prior to the installation, even suggesting a mock up of what was going to be in my mouth prior to permanent installation.

She did not apprise me of any information prior......did not tell me she was altering the overjet or shortening the length of the teeth. She also did not discuss or mention anything associated with a mock up for me to wear. She made the temporaries from a mold made of my original crowns so what I wore for temporaries (the first time) only mimicked what was in my mouth prior to crown removal.

The second mock up was made upon my insistence, after visiting other dentists who said this should have been done. She only agreed to do this if I paid an additional $1700. 00 which I reluctantly agreed to pay but felt, at this point, hostage to the situation.

I have composed a letter indicating my dissatisfaction with this entire process and am asking for a total refund. I hope that I am successful with this request and, as you say, I will try to get "used to the new look" but I need the money to, at a minimum, get a prosthetic device made which will help me to relax my bite.

Do you know anything about these? A dentist that I visited today, who seemed to be more conservative, and not wanting to jump in with full mouth restoration, indicated that this may help with my tight bite.

Again, thanks so much for your comprehensive reply. You are performing a great service to all dental consumers. Your advice is greatly appreciated. I wish I could meet you! Didi