Why do my teeth look worse after whitening? My dentist recommended whitening after braces left white spots on my teeth. My teeth are super white, but the areas from braces look brighter than ever. Now my teeth are blotchy. My dentist said that maybe she could try bonding. I feel like a guinea pig in a clinical trial. What treatment should I ask my dentist to use next? Thank you. Miranda from Charleston, SC

Miranda,

Thank you for your question. Without advanced cosmetic dentistry training, a dentist may not understand how to treat spotted or stained treat based on the cause of the discoloration.

Will Teeth Whitening Improve White Spots?

Teeth whitening usually makes white spots worse. The bleaching gel removes stains embedded in teeth but does not improve uneven discoloration, stains, or spots.

How Can You Treat White Spots on Teeth?

Treatment for white spots on teeth depends on their cause. Decalcification around brackets on braces can cause white spots. These factors cause decalcification:

• Food debris or bacteria trapped beneath braces or around brackets
• Plaque buildup decreases the calcium that teeth need
• Calcium depletion that causes white spots

Treatment options

A cosmetic dentist may recommend remineralization, microabrasion, or dental bonding for white spots on teeth.

• Remineralization – Fluoride treatments or remineralizing gels can improve teeth over time.
• Microabrasion – After removing discolored tooth enamel and applying an abrasive substance to your teeth, a cosmetic dentist will clean, rinse, and polish them.
• Dental bonding – A cosmetic dentist can remove areas of decalcification and apply dental bonding to replace them. Cosmetic dentists have an inventory of bonding materials and tools to achieve a perfect match and blend the bonding with your tooth color.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist for an exam and an explanation of your treatment options.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael Szarek, sponsors this post.