I have had very discolored teeth since my childhood. They said it was because of some medication I took as a child. When I was in high school my parents spent practically everything they had to get me dental bonding. Now that I am older the bonding is completely worn out. I know the better solution is porcelain veneers, but I cannot afford that. Dental bonding is not much less. Is there any chance there are newer procedures that have improved which could help me get a prettier smile without porcelain veneers?

Mandy

Dear Mandy,

 

The medication you took as a child was likely tetracycline. If taken while your teeth are still forming, then it can cause brown stains on your teeth. If you cannot afford porcelain veneers to this and you have existing bonding you have options, but it depends on how the dental bonding was done.

If the dental bonding was placed over intact enamel, then there are sandpaper disks that can be used to remove the outdated bonding. It’s not too hard to do if they have training. In fact, some states will allow a dental hygienist to do it. If your state allows that, the fee should be a bit lower, which could save you more money.

Once the old bonding is removed, have your dentist make for you some custom-fitted teeth whitening trays like the ones pictured above. Then you will simply use some professional strength teeth whitening gel in the trays. You will have to be persistent and it will take a while, but you can get your teeth significantly whiter. They won’t be as beautiful as they would with well done porcelain veneers, but you will no longer be embarrassed by your teeth.

Be aware you will want to stick with the tray and gel approach. Don’t let your dentist talk you into something like Zoom Whitening or Laser teeth whitening. While these are stronger, you would require so many treatments that it would quickly get too expensive. Just persevere with the gel and you will get results.

If, however, the dentist removed some of your tooth enamel before placing the dental bonding, then there is no other solution except for porcelain veneers. In that case, I would just wait and save up to have the porcelain veneers done. Don’t try to save money by using just a basic family dentist. Save up to do it right. Make sure the dentist has post-doctoral porcelain veneers training. I’d also check their smile gallery to make sure they can produce artistic results. Tetracycline cases are one of the most advanced cosmetic cases a dentist can do so you want to make sure they have the skills to do it well.

This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.