Tetracycline Stains and No Money for Porcelain Veneers
I’ve had tetracycline stains for most of my life. Ten years ago, I asked my dentist if I could whiten my teeth to get rid of the stains. He told me that the only solution for tetracycline stains is porcelain veneers. I priced those and there is not a chance in the world I will be able to afford that. My smile is so humiliating to me that I never do it. Is there a chance that teeth whitening has improved enough in the last ten years to make a difference?
Kelly
Dear Kelly,
While porcelain veneers are still the best solution for tetracycline stains, you can make a decent difference by using teeth whitening. Make sure you use take home teeth whitening trays instead of something like Zoom Whitening. Zoom would take too many sessions and you are trying to save money.
While you can make a difference with the bleaching, you will have to be persistent. You will get the best results if you can wear the trays overnight. If you can’t tolerate the bleaching for that long, then just wear them during the day for as long as you can. I would plan on bleaching for several months but it will make a difference.
As I mentioned at the beginning, porcelain veneers will give you a much better result. My recommendation is that you start with the whitening while you save up for the veneers. However, you would need to have them done by a skilled cosmetic dentist. Dental school will not be enough. You will want someone with post doctoral training in cosmetic dentistry. This is especially true when it comes to tetracycline stains. They are one of the most challenging cases there are.
You’ll want to ask if they’ve done these type of cases before. If they haven’t, look for someone else. If they say they have done them, then ask to see before and after images of the cases so that you can get an idea whether or not the results are beautiful and something that you would be proud to have yourself.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
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,
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.
Will Crest Whitestrips Damage My Porcelain Veneers?
I had four porcelain veneers placed. I like them a lot but my other teeth look so dark next to them. If I got something like Crest Whitestrips to try to whiten my natural teeth, would they damage my porcelain veneers?
Camilla
Dear Camilla,
I am glad you like your porcelain veneers. It is a shame that your dentist did not plan your case better. In fact, I am a bit frustrated on your behalf. He could have avoided you having any color differences.
Most people have smiles that are eight to ten teeth wide, so he should have known that four veneers would have a color discrepancy. The solution to that, when you can’t get ten teeth veneered, is to have professional teeth whitening done ahead of time. This ensures that your smile blends together naturally.
While Crest Whitestrips will not damage your porcelain veneers, I do not think that you will get the results you are hoping for out of them. First, the whitening gel that they use is very weak. It would take a large number of boxes to see any real results. Second, they are only designed to cover the front six teeth. As four of those are veneered, you’ll only be getting two teeth with any gel on them. You could wear two sets or cut them in half, but that will not help with the strength.
In your place, I would ask your dentist to make custom teeth whitening trays for you. They could even be designed to go around your porcelain veneers. The gel your dentist can provide you is significantly stronger than anything you would get over the counter, which means your teeth will whiten much sooner.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
Click here to learn about metal-free dental care.
Dental Bonding and Teeth Whitening
I have some dental bonding that has been on for a few years. They’re pretty stained at this point. My dentist did tell me they would have to be replaced every few years, but I’m hoping to put off replacing them right now. While I know that teeth whitening cannot whiten dental bonding, is it possible for it to whiten it just back to where it was originally? If so, could I use white strips like you get at the store?
Steven
Dear Steven,
Unfortunately, teeth whitening will only whiten your natural tooth structure. Even if it could whiten them, I would not recommend Crest White strips to do it, if that was what you were referring to when you mentioned white strips. While they do work to whiten natural teeth, they have a much weaker gel than you would get with professional teeth whitening. You’d have to purchase a large number of boxes to get any significant results
While bleaching cannot get your dental bonding back to their original coloring. Sometimes, if the stains are just surface, then your dentist can polish them up to look better. However, dental bonding does not have the same type of protective glaze that porcelain veneers do. That makes it very possible the stains are more internal. If that is the case, then the only thing you can do is replace them.
I would expect replacing them periodically to be a regular part of having dental bonding. If you are looking for something more permanent, then porcelain veneers might be what you want. These can last for decades when well taken care of.
If you just have the bonding to replace a small chip or gap, then replacing the bonding may not cost you that much. If it is a larger surface, you may not want to replace them repeatedly. Another factor would be whether or not you were wanting to change anything else about your smile. If you’re happy with it, then there is probably no reason to upgrade. But, if you were looking to change the shape, size, or color of your teeth, then a smile makeover with porcelain veneers will take care of both your issues at once.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
Will Household Bleach Whiten Teeth?
If I am looking to whiten my teeth but don’t really want to go to the dentist, would using household bleach to rinse around in your mouth whiten them? I’m looking for options to improve my smile but am new to town and haven’t really set up with a dentist yet.
Avelyn
Dear Avelyn,
Bleach, such as Clorox used in laundry, is a base. Another base you may have heard of is Lye. It’s a rather strong corrosive that will destroy living tissue. In fact, dentists often use it in root canal treatments. An active ingredient in bleach, is sodium hypochlorite. This cleanser can be used inside a tooth to get rid of any dead organic material left in a tooth. While it dissolves the organic material, it also cleanses the inside of the tooth, like a disinfectant. This isn’t dentists using cheap-o material. It is actually a process taught in dental school.
If you swish it around in your mouth, then you are going to be damaging any tissue you have in your mouth, including your cheeks and gums. The only safe and effective way to whiten your teeth is with professional teeth whitening.
Second, when bleach comes in contact with certain types of other chemicals, it is a reaction which actually turns it into a deadly gas. You would not want to breathe those vapors in.
I would use this as an opportunity to find your new dentist. You will have to have your teeth thoroughly cleaned before you whiten them anyway. If you don’t do that, then your results will be splotchy.
While you are looking for a dentist, is a good time to assess what type of services you need. The dental world has really grown. While teeth whitening is, technically, a cosmetic procedure, it is the easiest of the cosmetic procedures and pretty much any dentist can do it. However, if you are going to want any of the more advanced procedures, such as porcelain veneers, then you will want a dentist with advanced post-doctoral training in smile makeovers. These are not adequately taught in dental school and a dentist has to invest in training after they graduate to get the training they need.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
A Collapsed Bite & TMJ
I have a problem with my smile that has gotten worse over the years. It is always hard to see my teeth, even when I smile. When I don’t smile it looks like inside my mouth is just a black hole. In recent months my jaw has started hurting. I do wear a nightguard because of some clenching and grinding I do. When I am wearing it, my jaw feels a bit better and you can see my smile. I spoke to my dentist about this and he said that he could provide me with porcelain veneers to improve the appearance of my smile. I just wanted to make sure this was my best option before moving forward.
Marilyn
Dear Marilyn,
It sounds to me like you are dealing with a combination of a collapsed bite along with TMJ Disorder. I am glad you are writing now instead of after you spent a fortune on a procedure which does not help. Your dentist may be well intentioned, but porcelain veneers will not solvoe your problem.
This will require advanced TMJ training so a dentist can build your bite back up properly with dental crowns. Make sure he or she does it first with provisional crowns. These are temporary and can be changed as necessary to get the crowns correct. Take that to mean they are comfortable, you like how they look, you can see your smile properly, and you have no trouble with speech as a result. Once the provisionals are correct, then your dentist can make the permanent crowns.
The dentist you choose will need advanced training in TMJ. There is not a TMJ specialty, so you’ll have to do some homework. Look at Dr. Goebel’s TMJ Credentials in order to get an idea of what you want from the dentist in that regard. Some other good training institutions, in addition to what Dr. Goebel has done are the Dawson Academy or the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
Will I Need a Crown to Replace a Porcelain Veneer?
Can a dentist fix a cavity on a porcelain veneer tooth without me needing a new veneer or a crown? My dentist wants to remove the cavity but says I might need a crown instead. Why? I would have three veneers and one crown on my front teeth. How would that look? I am worried that a crown would be noticeable beside three veneers. Thank you. Isaac from Oak Park, IL
Isaac,
Thank you for your question.
Dr. Goebel would need to x-ray your tooth and examine it and your veneer for an accurate diagnosis. Still, we will provide general information.
Matching crowns and veneers
If you need a crown, it will be challenging for a dentist to match it with your other veneers. A dentist must have advanced cosmetic dentistry training to achieve a match.
Do You Need a Veneer Replaced with a Crown?
Whether your dentist must replace your veneer with a crown depends on the tooth’s condition and the cavity size.
Removing the cavity might require losing much tooth structure. When little tooth structure remains, it may be challenging to bond a veneer to it. Even with a crown, a dentist may need to build up the tooth before it can support a crown.
If you want to keep your porcelain veneer, please understand that although family dentists are skilled at keeping your teeth healthy, they have limited cosmetic dentistry skills without advanced training. The results depend on the dentist’s training and experience. It is unreasonable to expect your family to achieve beautiful results.
We recommend scheduling a second opinion with a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to examine your tooth and veneer to explain your options.
Moline, Illinois, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel sponsors this post.
Help Correcting Overjet and Spaces Between My Teeth
I have multiple problems with my teeth. I have overjet, and some spaces between my teeth are about 1/8 inch wide. Four of my teeth are missing. Also, I have caps on my front center teeth that are yellow, old, and too big. The overjet makes it looks like I am poking out my lips. My top teeth completely overlap my bottom teeth when I close my mouth. If I bite down, my teeth dig into my gums. This is a lot of work that I know my regular dentist doesn’t usually do. He said he could do new caps and then refer me to an orthodontist. I do not feel good about how my crowns will look from my dentist. I prefer not to switch dentists, but is there another way around it if I need cosmetic work and braces?
Loraine –
We understand your concerns. When there are multiple issues with your teeth, if a dentist’s work is not good, it can still detract from your smile. Although braces may beautifully align your teeth, if your dental crowns (caps) do not look natural, you will be unhappy with your smile—and perhaps self-conscious about it.
Over Jet Treatment Options
If you have overjet and want to correct it, a cosmetic dentist will recommend orthodontics before dental crowns or veneers.
- Orthodontics – Braces can correct overjet and the spaces between your teeth.
- Dental crowns – Repositioning your teeth takes priority. Afterward, a cosmetic dentist can replace your dental crowns with natural-looking ceramic crowns.
- Porcelain veneers – If you did not have crowns already, after orthodontics, porcelain veneers could correct flaws in your teeth, including shape and discoloration that teeth whitening will not resolve.
We recommend looking for two or three accredited cosmetic dentists with whom you can have consultations. Make a list of questions that you want to ask during the consultations.
You will learn about your options for closing the spaces between your teeth, resolving the overjet, and what can enhance the shape and color of your teeth. Ask to see photos of cases like yours that each cosmetic dentist has completed for their patients. It will take some time, but it will help you find the best dentist to give you a smile you want.
Dr. Thomas Goebel, a Moline, Illinois dentist, sponsors this post.
Can a Dentist Make My Too Big Veneers Smaller?
My four front teeth have been crooked from an accident 12 years ago. Last year, at age 32, I decided to improve my smile with porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, I did not research dentists well enough or get enough information about what it takes to get quality veneers. Last December, I allowed my dentist to place veneers, but they are too big. The veneers are wider and longer than my teeth in general. I am embarrassed to smile. My crooked teeth looked better! Now I have a better idea of how to find a cosmetic dentist, but what can I expect? Is there a way to make my veneers smaller, or will I need new ones? If I need new veneers, I want to know how to get a refund. Gia T. from Brooklyn
Gia,
Thank you for contacting our office. It is good to know that you will research cosmetic dentists before choosing a new one to correct your smile.
Look for a dentist with extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. And schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists to discuss your options.
Can a Dentist Make Too Large Veneers Smaller?
In some cases, a skilled cosmetic dentist can shorten porcelain veneers. Depending on the extent of the changes required, altering the veneers might damage them or crack the glass. Also, drastic changes make it difficult to adjust the veneers and keep a natural-looking shape.
The best approach is to have an experienced cosmetic dentist examine your veneers. They will explain if and how much they can alter your veneers without damaging them. You mentioned that your veneers are too wide and long, so a cosmetic dentist will most likely recommend replacing them.
Moline, Illinois, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel sponsors this post.
My New Porcelain Veneers Are Too Short
Last week my dentist completed a crown and six porcelain veneers. I wore temporary veneers for several weeks and decided to get the work done finally. The temporary veneers were too long, so I asked for the final veneers to be slightly shorter. My dentist let me look at the veneers before he cemented them on, but I didn’t get a good look at them. My teeth are too short, and one incisor is smaller than the other. I know I won’t be happy unless the veneers are redone. Is it a big deal to lengthen porcelain veneers, or will a dentist need to replace them? Thanks. Irina from IN
Irina,
Thank you for choosing our office for your question.
The only way to make your porcelain veneers longer is to replace them. And it is a big deal for your dentist. But if you aren’t happy with the results, you should ask your dentist to replace them.
Most people get porcelain veneers because they want a beautiful smile. You paid for a new smile, and an experienced cosmetic dentist feels obligated to deliver it. Porcelain veneers cost thousands of dollars—and you should love them. Although your incisors should be similar in size and shape, they don’t have to be identical for them to look natural.
The Difference an Expert Cosmetic Dentist Makes
You mentioned that you briefly looked at your veneers—not long enough to notice that they are too short and that an incisor is too small. Although your dentist might practice cosmetic dentistry, an expert cosmetic dentist lets you examine your veneers before bonding them to your teeth. If you choose your current dentist for replacing your porcelain veneers, insist that he bonds them on after you’re delighted with your smile.
Reasons to get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist:
- Legally—and according to the dental society—if a dentist restores your teeth and the work is functional, they have met the standard of care, even if you don’t like your smile.
- If your dentist doesn’t want to replace your veneers, you don’t have legal leverage to insist he does so.
- Be respectful and persuasive if you decide to keep the same dentist. But if you want a smile without disappointment, look for an advanced cosmetic dentist.
Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a Moline, Illinois cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.