I have horrible tetracycline stains. I wanted to get them fixed so that I would not be afraid to smile. My dentist said the only option is porcelain veneers. Those are way too expensive for me. I left his office feeling quite discouraged. I was actually crying about it and my husband said that one person's opinion on the only option does not make it fact. He suggested I reach out to some other dentists and see about my options. So… do you have an option that won't require me to sell my home?
Sasha
Dear Sasha,
Teeth Bleaching Trays
I am glad that your husband encouraged you to seek other options. He's right. One person's opinion is not the end all of how things work. While it is true that porcelain veneers are the top of the line solution, they are out of the realm of possibility for most patients. Before I go into another, more affordable, option, let me explain what tetracycline stains are for someone reading this blog that has never heard of it.
Tetracyline is a class of antibiotics. It's perfectly safe. However, if you are given that medication in your childhood years when your teeth are still developing, then it will leave serious stains on those teeth that are almost impossible to deal with.
My suggestion is that you get teeth whitening trays from your dentist and have he or she also provide you with professional strength whitening gel. It will not give you the same type of results of you'd get with porcelain veneers, but if you are very persistent and keep at it, you will significantly improve your smile.
Don't try to use Zoom Whitening or Laser Whitening. It will require way too many sessions and that would cost you a fortune. Just keep using the gel and you will get there. You will get the most bang for your buck if you are able to wear the trays all night. the key is the longer you can wear them each day the faster you will whiten. Just don't do it past the level of comfort. You don't want to cause yourself tooth sensitivity.
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Disclaimer: This article is general information from Dr. Harveer Kaur and is not a substitute for a dental exam, diagnosis, or treatment. Every mouth is different. If you have a concern about your teeth or gums, call our Ahwatukee office at (480) 283-0733 or our Chandler office at (480) 895-3252 and we will help you sort it out.
Dr. Harveer Kaur, DDS, BDS
Dr. Kaur is the founder of Kokopelli Dentistry, serving patients in Ahwatukee and Chandler, Arizona. She focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry.
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