I agreed to extraction and a dental implant after three failed root canals on my top left first molar tooth. But I also have brown fluoride stains on my teeth. Although, I have never done anything about the stains. I do not want a blotchy brown implant crown to match my stained teeth. In 2018, my dentist bleached my stained teeth and applied dental bonding, but both look bad. Now that I need an implant, I am afraid of how my smile might look. My dentist asked me what I wanted to do about the fluoride stains, but I don’t think I want him doing anything. Neither do I want to see two dentists – my current one for an implant and another to lighten the stains. How can I handle this situation? Thank you. Daniel from Ithaca, NY
Thank you for your question, Daniel
Bleaching or Dental Bonding for Brown Fluoride Stains?
Bleaching your teeth does not help with fluoride stains. But neither does direct dental bonding if your dentist doesn’t have advanced training. Dentists apply dental bonding by hand, so you will not get good results unless a dentist has cosmetic dentistry training and an artistic eye to make the bonding look natural.
However, you can find a cosmetic dentist to replace your old dental bonding and hide your stains without making your teeth look pasty or opaque.
Dental Implant Crown to Match Bonding
A cosmetic dentist can match dental bonding and implant crowns
If you want your dental implant crown to match your new bonding, it is best to let one skilled cosmetic dentist do all the work. Crown matching requires specific instructions from the dentist to a ceramist. Together, they can ensure your bonding and implant crown match.
Unfortunately, your current dentist has not proven his ability with dental bonding. So, it is unlikely that you would get results if you allowed him to place your implant crown.
Look for accredited or advanced cosmetic dentists in your area. Schedule consultations with two skilled cosmetic dentists to discuss your options. The consultations will increase your comfort in switching dentists for a natural-looking smile that you can feel confident about.
Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.