Will teeth whitening make my brown teeth lighter?
I’m wondering if teeth whitening will lighten 3 of my top front teeth that are brown. They are really ugly, so I make sure I don’t show my teeth when I smile. I used to think the teeth were rotten, but they haven’t gotten worse and they don’t hurt. I’m not sure what’s wrong with then. I am wondering if I can use teeth whitening on them to at least lighten the color, even if they never get white? Thanks. Nibila
Nibila – Your teeth need to be examined to determine why they are brown and whether or not bleaching them is the right treatment.
What Causes
Tooth Discoloration?
- External factors – Staining beverages, including coffee, tea, wine, and cola can be the cause of brown teeth. Tobacco products can also darken teeth.
- Fluorosis stains – Taking in too much fluoride (fluorosis) when you are young and your teeth are still developing can them a patchy brown appearance.
- Tetracycline stains – Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of infections. If taken while teeth are developing, it can cause stains that turn teeth brown in color. The brown usually appears in bands on the teeth.
- Medications or medical conditions – Certain medications or medical conditions can cause tooth discoloration.
Will Teeth
Whitening Help?
Some skilled cosmetic dentists are successful in using powerful teeth whitening treatment to break up internal stains in your teeth. Sometimes, whitening treatment can even be effective on tough tetracycline stains. But this treatment should only be attempted by a dentist.
You mentioned that only three of your teeth are brown, which
suggests the cause of the color is internal—possibly due to a medical condition,
certain medications, or a condition inside the teeth.
Don’t attempt to resolve the color issue on your own. If teeth whitening treatment is not the correct way to improve the color, you can cause more harm and discolor your teeth even further. Alternative cosmetic dentistry treatment, such as porcelain veneers, might provide the best results.
We suggest that you schedule an appointment with an
experienced cosmetic dentist or an examination. He or she will let you know
your treatment options.
This post is sponsored by David R. Newkirk, DDS, a Naperville cosmetic dentist.