I could really use a second opinion. I’ve been going to the same dentist for years, but recent developments make me wonder if I don’t need to look for someone new.
My front two teeth have been discolored ever since they came in. I’ve always taken really good care of my teeth, but my dentist said that the discoloration was caused by a very bad fever I had as a small child. Whatever the cause, the appearance of my teeth causes me a lot of embarrassment. Under the guidance of my dentist, I have tried just about every over-the-counter whitening product there is. Nothing works. In fact, I think my teeth look worse now than they did when I started trying to fix them!
At my last cleaning visit, I mentioned my frustration to my dentist. He said he could try to “experiment” and grind my teeth to try and remove the stains. I am not educated in cosmetic dentistry, but this sounds like it would leave me with an even uglier mess than I already have! Is this common treatment for stubborn stains on teeth? Would professional whitening work where the OTC treatments did not?
I need your help. I just graduated from college, and am starting to interview for my first “real” job. I can’t help feeling like my teeth are hurting me professionally. Even if someone doesn’t actually think it, my teeth create the impression that I am a slacker that can’t even be bothered to brush his teeth.
Thanks for you time,
Robert in Owasso
Dear Robert,
You are absolutely right - you need to seek a new dentist. You current dentist may be perfectly adequate for routine dental care, but for your cosmetic problem, you need to seek the services of an expert cosmetic dentist. Your current dentist does not seem to understand teeth whitening very well, and his proposed “experiment” could do serious damage to your teeth.
Professional whitening is not likely to work for you. A process called microabrasion might work, depending on the type and degree of severity of the discolored spots. A thoroughly trained and experienced cosmetic dentist should be able to determine if microabrasion is worth a try or not.
The most likely solutions would be direct dental bonding, or porcelain veneers. Both procedures should absolutely be performed by an expert. I’d hate to see you wast any more time and money on “experiments”.