I am in a really frustrating position. I am 24 years old, and ever since my adult teeth came in, they have had brown spots on them. I take really, really good care of my teeth, but my dentist said that they are like that because I had a very high fever as a young child, and that episode caused the discoloration.
I just graduated from college, and am trying to start my new professional life. I feel like these ugly teeth are really making a bad impression, but don’t know what to do about them. Under the guidance of my dentist, I have tried just about every over the counter teeth whitening product there is. I don’t have very much money, and though the kits are not individually expensive, they are starting to add up. So far, all that has accomplished is to make my teeth look even worse. The spots seem even darker than they did before.
Now my dentist wants to “try an experiment” (her words). She wants to use a grinder to wear away the front of my tooth until the discoloration is gone. I do not claim to be any kind of dental expert, but this sounds like a really bad idea! She admits that she does not know how much she might have to take off, and I am having horrible visions of what the end result of this might look like.
There has to be another way. What about professional whitening? I am tired of making a bad first impression. I am hard-working, well educated and meticulous, but my teeth send exactly the opposite message! Please help me get this figured out.
Thanks a lot,
Gretta in Belhaven, North Carolina
Dear Gretta,
You are smart to be cautious, especially when your dentist uses a phrase like “try an experiment”. From the sounds of things, you need to seek a new dentist. Your dentist clearly does not understand the basic principles behind teeth bleaching, and letting her conduct her “experiment” with grinding could lead to catastrophe.
I strongly suggest you seek the services of an experienced, expert cosmetic dentist, even if you have to drive a fair distance to do so. Please trust me that it will be very worth your time and effort to put this matter in the right hands.
As you have noticed, your smile is a huge part of the first impression you make on people, and you are at a point in your life where that first impression is incredibly important. If at all possible, I would advise you to invest in porcelain veneers. You do not mention any issues with any of the rest of your teeth, so it is possible that getting veneers for only those teeth that are discolored could make a dramatic difference in your smile.
If porcelain veneers are not a possibility, dental bonding may work just as effectively to deal with the discolored spots on your teeth.
You need the advise and guidance of an expert cosmetic dentist to make the decision about which course of treatment to pursue. Use caution, and ask about the dentist’s training and credentials. A truly expert cosmetic dentist will be a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists at the very least, and preferably accredited through them.