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FAQ: Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening: Fact and Fiction
Videos Health Risks of Home Teeth Whitening Which whitening methods are best? Orthodontic White Spot Treatment Demineralization and Sensitivity BriteSmile: ADA Approval Zoom Demo	Products Laser - Chemistry Product News Good - Bad Whitening Poll Keep Dentures White Dentist Finder

Question:
I was given tetracycline quite a bit as a child, and my teeth are VERY discolored as a result. In speaking with a dentist, he told me my only "real" solution would be crowns - he even shyed away from veeners, saying they were almost as expensive.

I'm not sure I want to go through this expense, not to mention the trauma to my otherwise healthy teeth. Although I understand not much can be determined without an evaluation, I would like your opinions in this area. ...Jay in MA

Answer:
Jay, if your teeth are not broken down, have no fillings, or cavities you should consider veneers, NOT crowns. The newest porcelain material allows us to cover tetracycline staining without having to shave the whole tooth down.

Ask your dentist to make some Procera veneers or Empress veneers with a lot of opaquer in them. Yes, he/she will have to remove segments of the tooth that are discolored in order to get good results. But before you do that I would advise you to go through a Britesmile bleaching procedure, followed by at least a few months of at home bleaching with 20% carbamide peroxide.

You may be surprised that you can get some good results with extended bleaching. I have had patients with deep tetracycine stains get good results after Britesmile and doing the home kit technique for about 60 days.

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