My dentist bleached brown blotchy fluoride spots on my teeth, but the stains did not improve. My teeth look whiter, but the stains are the same, and even my dentist admits it. Now, she recommends bonding or veneers and said that they should improve the stains. I am not confident that my dentist knows whether either method will work. Should I select bonding or veneers? – Thank you, Amberlynn from Detroit
Amberlynn.
Thank you for contacting Dr. Lim’s office.
You have valid concerns about your dentist’s understanding of how to bleach your teeth. Teeth bleaching will not improve blotchy stains.
Which Treatments Work for Dark Stains on Teeth?
Depending on the cause and extent of your teeth stains, dental bonding or porcelain veneers will improve them. Still, a dentist must first examine your teeth to verify the cause of the stains and the condition of your teeth. Your teeth and gums must be healthy before you begin treatment. Otherwise, your dentist will recommend treatment to improve your oral health before you get cosmetic dentistry.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a conservative, natural-looking way to hide blotchy stains and restore your teeth. Skilled cosmetic dentists stock composite resins and carefully stack and layer them to conceal imperfections in your teeth. Well-maintained bonding can last five years or longer.
A cosmetic dentist will apply bonding by hand while you sit comfortably in a dental chair using these steps:
- Roughen the surfaces of your teeth
- Apply bonding to match your tooth shade and translucence
- Shape the composite bonding
- Harden the bonding with a curing light
- Further shape and polish the bonding
Composite bonding requires advanced training and artistry, so select your cosmetic dentist carefully.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain outlasts dental bonding. Well-made veneers can last 20 years or longer. A cosmetic dentist understands how to maintain porcelain’s natural translucence while hiding dark spots on your teeth. After an examination and x-ray to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, cosmetic dentists take these steps with veneers:
- Remove a conservative amount of tooth enamel from each affected tooth
- Take impressions of your teeth
- Allow you to try on temporary veneers
- Send the impressions, instructions, and pictures of your smile to a lab to make custom porcelain veneers
- Try the veneers on your teeth and bond them when you agree that you love the results
Request a Consultation
Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to examine the stains on your teeth and explain your treatment options. Look for a dentist with post-graduate training and experience in cosmetic dentistry.
