About 2 years ago, I had dental veneers fitted to close up the gap between my 2 front teeth. At the time I was told verbally by the dentist that they would last as long as my natural teeth.
18 months later, one fell off and I accidentally swallowed it. I went back to the dentist, who said they would replace it but I'd have to pay again. I questioned this, and the dentist now said that veneers only last 10-15 years (not what I was originally told). They were �650 each. He then agreed to do it for half price.
I then wrote to the surgery, saying how much anguish this had caused me. I was still paying of the veneers, and was no paranoid that the others were going to drop off, and I could never afford to replace. They wrote back to say they would replace the veneer at no cost.
I had an appointment there today, and have been told that because of the alignment of my jaw, presure is put onto my front teeth, which is why the veneer came off, and when i have the new veneer put back on it is likely that it will come off too. They said they will do it, but I have to sign a waiver saying that I accept that the Dentist is not at fault and that I accept the treatment on the grounds that it is likely to fall off, and the dentist will not be responsible!"
You have been badly misinformed - dental veneers are made of either porcelain or a composite material and don't last forever:
"Porcelain veneers usually last between 5 and 10 years if you ensure that you take good care of them and have good dental hygiene. On the other hand composite veneers might last for a year or two at the most."
The dentist should have been aware of your jaw alignment before you even had the treatment and told you that you were unsuitable for the procedure.
I would not sign the waiver. Tell them that because they knew of the jaw alignment problem and went ahead with the treatment without discussing the implications with you, you hold them entirely responsible and will seek redress in the County Court if necessary and will complain to the relevant dental body.
It is obvious they were only interested in selling you cosmetic veneers that were unsuitable in your personal case.
Many years ago, I was running late for a dental appointment. The practice charged a fee for no-shows, so I drove like a lunatic to reach my dentist � I made it just in time for my appointment.
My dentist examined my teeth and announced that my teeth would last me for the rest of my life. I asked if my teeth were in that good a condition � to which he replied; No, but I�ve seen the way you drive.