I have tetracycline stains on my teeth that look bad. I am 37 years old and can finally do something about it. My cousin has the stains, too, but she got porcelain veneers. My dentist said that porcelain veneers might help me, too.
I am really nervous about them because my cousin’s porcelain veneers look just as bad as her tetracycline teeth, just in another way. Her veneers look like a strip of cheap plastic teeth that she popped off of a find-your-size fake teeth kit. The dentist that did her veneers told her that there was no other way to hide the dark stains on her teeth. I told her to ask for her money back, but she never did.
My teeth are almost as bad as my cousin’s tetracycline teeth. If I get veneers, will they have to look like hers? Thank you. Genesis from Dallas
Genesis,
Thank you for your question.
Covering tetracycline stains with porcelain veneers is an art that only a skilled, artistic cosmetic dentist can master. It’s not easy. Unless your dentist has post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training, we recommend that you look for another dentist.
Hiding Tetracycline Stains with Porcelain Veneers
Hiding tetracycline stains with veneers requires a cosmetic dentist who understands balancing translucency with color. Your porcelain veneers don’t have to look like your cousin’s, but you must diligently look for a cosmetic dentist who has experience with porcelain veneers and tetracycline stains.
- Ask for photos: Ask to see before-and-after pictures of other patients.
- Be open: Talk with the dentist about your concerns and the results you want.
- Speak up: If you decide to get porcelain veneers, you must speak up about anything about the model veneers that you don’t like.
If you feel as though the dentist you have chosen will not give you natural-looking results, find another dentist. The frustration of selecting a new dentist is nowhere near the disappointment you would experience if you received a smile makeover that you don’t like.
Dr. Gilberto Tostado, a San Antonio, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.