Do I Have Options if Teeth-Whitening Doesn’t Work?

The best thing about professional teeth-whitening is that it quickly and conveniently erases even stubborn teeth stains so you can smile confidently again in almost no time. However, not all stains are equal, and while common ones can be stubborn, others can be impossible to erase with a cosmetic teeth-whitening solution. For patients in North Hollywood, there are several different options for addressing concerns that teeth-whitening can’t address, including stains and discoloration that occur within your tooth structure instead of on top of it.

Why Wouldn’t It Work?

Professional teeth-whitening involves the use of a strong but gentle bleaching agent that systematically scrubs away and removes stains from the surface of your teeth. This surface layer, called enamel, is semi-translucent, and when tooth’s structure becomes discolored, then it can show through the enamel and appear as a regular stain at first. However, because it’s underneath the enamel, topical teeth-whitening treatment can’t reach it or erase it. Instead, your dentist will have to recommend a more appropriate cosmetic option. If the discoloration is the result of internal tooth damage or decay, then it may need to be restored with a tooth-colored filling or dental crown.

More Effective Smile Improvements

If the cause of your tooth discoloration isn’t serious (certain medications and genetic conditions can lead to tooth discoloration in the absence of dental trouble), then your dentist might recommend placing tooth bonding or a porcelain over it. Tooth bonding utilizes tooth-colored composite resin to restore the healthy, blemish-free appearance of your tooth. Or, a porcelain veneer, which is a thin shell of customized porcelain, can be bonded to the front surface of the tooth, completely transforming its appearance.

Improve Your Smile in the Way that Works Best

Teeth-whitening can often be the most effective and convenient solution for brightening your smile, but if it won’t work, then we offer a variety of more effective cosmetic options. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smile in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.