My tetracycline stained teeth have been so embarrassing to me as I have grown up. I hardly ever showed my teeth in pictures and ended up putting up my hands over my face when I would be talking to people. I literally feel like I have hid my smile forever. So when I was old enough to finally afford cosmetic dentistry to fix them, I was all for it. Well, my dentist did some teeth whitening and did dental bonding to cover up the spots. At first I thought they looked better, but I really am not satisfied. If I’m honest, I feel like his work was a failure. I hoped I wouldn’t have to hide my smile anymore, but sadly it’s just not the case. I don’t want to sound unappreciative, but I really thought the stains would finally be covered up. Do I have to accept that this is as good as it gets?
– Becky in Utah
Becky,
Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. Hopefully, it will be helpful to others that struggle with tetracycline stains. Unfortunately not all dentists now how to successfully treat severe tetracycline stains. And it sounds like the dentist that used teeth whitening and dental bonding, may be one that doesn’t understand the intricacies involved with transforming tetracycline-stained teeth.
Most of the best cosmetic dentists agree that the best way to improve tetracycline stained teeth is with porcelain veneers. The porcelain veneers are actually applied directly to the surface of your teeth to cover the staining. Make sure you see an experienced cosmetic dentist that has successfully treated other patients with tetracycline issues. Not just any dentist will know how to treat this condition, as you have learned.
Most cosmetic dentists will not rest unless you absolutely love your new smile. So you should not feel “unappreciative” at all. It simply sounds like you need to find a different dentist. Nothing against your current dentist, but if you are going to invest in porcelain veneers, you need to find a dentist with the right credentials. Ask to see his or her portfolio of work and examples of other tetracycline cases. Good luck! And thanks again for being brave and sharing your story.
This post is sponsored by Barrington cosmetic dentist James T. Gavrilos, DDS.