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Tetracycline Stains and No Money for Porcelain Veneers

I have had tetracycline stains most of my life. My dentist does not do cosmetic dentistry but recommended someone for me. He told me the solution for my issue is to get porcelain veneers. They are way too expensive for me. Is there any other possible solution for me? I would love to not be too ashamed to smile.

Sandy


Dear Sandy,

Teeth with tetracycline stains
Teeth with tetracycline stains

I am glad you wrote. Before I answer your question, I want to make sure those who are unfamiliar with tetracycline stains understand what we’re dealing with here. Tetracycline stains are dark stains on teeth which are a result of the tetracycline medication taken while someone’s teeth are still developing.

While porcelain veneers are the ideal solution, they are not the only thing which will help improve your smile. What you don’t want to do is look for cheap cosmetic dentistry. The results will not be good. Instead, I recommend you have professional teeth whitening done. If you’re persistent, it will make a huge difference. I would plan on it taking a few months, but it will be improving that whole time.

While it will not be as stunning as porcelain veneers, it will allow you to smile again without feeling embarrassed. Don’t try to take a short cut with something like Zoom Whitening. While that is strong, it would take too many sessions to make as much a difference as the regular take home trays. That would cost too much.

Then, while you are doing the teeth whitening and improving your smile, you’ll be able to save up for the porcelain veneers and get the smile of your dreams.

This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.

Maryland Bridge Before an Implant Crown?

My daughter has a congenitally missing lateral incisor. We’ve finished orthodontics and plan to eventually get her a dental implant to replace it. She’s too young for one right now. Our dentist suggested that we get her a Maryland Bridge as a temporary tooth replacement until she is old enough. The problem is the Maryland Bridge just won’t stay on. She’s tried different cements but that didn’t work. We were using ceramic wings. The dentist thinks that may be the problem. So now she’s thinking about giving her metal wings. I’m a bit worried. It will be about five years before she can get a dental implant. I have some questions that have me worried. Will the metal wings adhere that long? Will they damage the adjacent teeth that they are being attached to? Will people be able to see the metal behind her teeth?

Carol


Dear Carol,

Two Maryland Bridge illustrations

I’m glad you wrote. First, let me say that I am glad you picked a dental implant for her permanent tooth replacement. It is the best tooth replacement you can get her.

I am not sure why your dentist recommended a Maryland Bridge for your daughter. One of the reasons that your daughter’s Maryland Bridge is not staying on because cement isn’t enough for this type of tooth replacement. There actually needs to be a bit of a notch made into the tooth, like you see in the image above. Because of that, I would not consider it a temporary tooth replacement. Once she is old enough and your remove the Maryland Bridge, that notch will have to be filled in with dental bonding material. So, yes, it will damage the tooth.

I would not let her do the metal wings. They will not stay any better without the notch we talked about and they will stain her adjacent teeth.

Instead, I’m going to suggest that you get her a dental flipper. This will hold the space open, it is much less expensive than what your dentist is currently using, and it will not damage her tooth in any way. Then, once she is old enough for a dental implant, you can replace her tooth permanently.

This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
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