I’ve had tetracycline stains since my adult teeth came in. I don’t have money for porcelain veneers and wondered if getting dental bonding done would be more affordable. I know it won’t last as long, but maybe by then I’ll have the money for veneers.
Cassie
Dear Cassie,
I am glad you wrote. In this case, though dental bonding is generally less expensive, it will end up more expensive. Bonding has to be done by hand. In order to do it correctly, they’d have to spend much longer in the chair with you which will cost more. While porcelain veneers are the better treatment, they have to be done by an expert cosmetic dentist. Another price increase. However, there is an alternative treatment that will help significantly, if you are persistent enough.
You can use at-home teeth whitening trays provided to you by your dentist, which are custom fit to your bite. You’ll have to wear them every day for months, but eventually, your teeth will get white enough for you to feel comfortable with your smile.
Under normal circumstances, in order to whiten thoroughly, I’d suggest Zoom Whitening, which works in one appointment. However, these treatments are much more expensive than the trays I’m recommending. With tetracycline stains, you’d have to do this many times over. It would end up costing you more money than is worth it.
When You Can Get Porcelain Veneers
If circumstances change and you end up where you can get porcelain veneers, you will have to be quite careful who you allow to do them. Because of the depth of the stains, the veneers need to be made opaque enough to cover the dark stains, yet still be translucent enough to look natural.
Accomplishing this takes advanced training. You’ll need someone with proven technique and artistry. I’d recommend an AACD accredited dentist. These are the top 1% of cosmetic dentists in the country.
This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.
