I take really good care of my teeth, but I’m really disappointed with my smile – particularly the brown spots that have always been on my front teeth. My mom says the spots were the result of a high fever I had as a baby. All I know is they look awful. I’ve been working with my dentist over the last several months and have literally tried everything available over-the-counter to get them to go away – white strips, whitening toothpaste, etc. All it’s done is make the spots look worse! Now my dentist wants to go a different route and I’m not so sure I’m on board. He says he can try and grind out the discolored areas. I’m concerned because he’s never done it before and doesn’t know how deep he’ll have to go. Plus, I’m sure it’s going to be painful! Would a stronger, professional grade whitening procedure work better than the OTC products? — Sasha
Sasha,
It sounds like your dentist wants to use you as a science experiment! It’s obvious that he doesn’t understand the bleaching process, and even more concerning is he has no idea what kind of damage he could with the grinding.
A skilled cosmetic dentist can help get the smile you’ve always wanted. Do you have one in your area you can schedule a consultation with? If you feel guilty about shopping around, you can always continue to go to your regular dentist for routine care and cleanings, but don’t let him continue to try and help you solve this particulare problem.
Teeth whitening or bleaching does not work on brown spots. Essentially what happens is the rest of the tooth gets whiter, making the spots even more noticeable. Your dentist should have never recommended whitening in the first place.
There is a process called microabrasion, but it typically does not work on brown spots unless they are very superficial. Direct bonding or porcelain veneers are likely your best option, but keep in mind that most dentists aren’t qualified to do this kind of work. Another reason to seek out a cosmetic dentist to ensure you get the best results. Good luck!
This blog post is brought to you by Des Moines cosmetic dentist, Dr. Phelan Thomas. For more information on the services he provides, please visit his Des Moines cosmetic dentist website.
