Tetracycline Stains but Can’t Afford Veneers

Posted by writeradmin

I had dental bonding done on my teeth several years ago to cover tetracycline stains but they are chipped and crumbling. Porcelain veneers are expensive. Is there a way I can remove the bonding and just whiten the teeth?

Eliza

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Dear Eliza,

While dental bonding may seem less expensive up front, which it is, but only in the short term. The problem you are facing is that it doesn’t last as long as porcelain veneers. While bonding lasts a few years, veneers can last a couple of decades or even longer when well cared for. Bonding also doesn’t look quite a beautiful as veneers either. That is because of their material.

If you can’t afford the porcelain veneers you have a couple of options. First, if your dentist placed the bonding over your tooth enamel, then you can have them remove the bonding. A dental hygienist can do this simply in the office with sandpaper disks. Then they can make teeth whitening trays for you. I would use the gel for as long as you can tolerate every day. It will take a few months, but your teeth will improve. They won’t be as pretty as they would with porcelain veneers, but you won’t feel embarrassed by them anymore.

If the dentist did remove some enamel, then you will can get new bonding, but I would save up to get porcelain veneers. Not only will it look better than bonding, but will last significantly longer.

While just about any dentist can do teeth whitening, both dental bonding and porcelain veneers will need an expert cosmetic dentist to do the work. These are advanced cosmetic procedures. Make sure you find someone with post-doctoral training.

This blog is brought to you by a friendly dentist in Mt. Dora, Dr. Michelle Stillman.