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Q: I hate the color of my teeth. Can I bleach them? A: Bleaching will not whiten all types of discoloration, so it is best to consult your dentist before embarking on any form of bleaching. You might want to start with a dental prophylaxis (cleaning) which will remove surface stain, plaque and calculus. Discolored fillings, especially bonded fillings in the front of the mouth can also be polished or replaced, as they will not change color with bleaching, neither will old crowns. In fact, these restorations may stand out more after bleaching, and you should be aware of this. Patients under the age of 18 or those with very sensitive teeth should not bleach their teeth without consulting their dentist first. Teeth that are severely stained do not always bleach well, especially those that are brownish or grey colored and those that are banded (such as from tetracycline antibiotics taken as an infant) do not bleach well at all. The basic types of bleaching treatments available are over the counter, take home prescribed by the dentist in a custom mouth tray, and in office. Each method has differing levels of intensity, results and cost associated with them. Please consult your dentist for the best method for you. If you are not a candidate for bleaching, you might consider cosmetic bonding, veneers, or crowns. |