After internal bleaching, my front tooth is still gray

My dentist bleached my upper right front tooth. I had a root canal on the tooth in 2016, but the tooth darkened, so my dentist bleached it. In certain light, the tooth still looks dark. Regardless of the light, I can tell that the tooth is darker than my left front tooth. I do not want tooth structure removed for a crown or veneer, so I am thinking about a composite veneer on the dark tooth or both front teeth if I need it. My concern is what happens when the bonding gets old. Will a dentist have to grind off tooth enamel every time I need new bonding? Thank you. Japheth from VA

Japheth,

Thank you for your question. Dental bonding is ideal for a slightly discolored tooth. But don’t expect your family dentist to achieve a perfect match. Applying bonding to look natural and match your surrounding teeth requires advanced cosmetic dentist training.

How Long Does Dental Composite Last?

Traditional dental bonding lasts about five years before the surface begins to deteriorate. But advanced dental technology makes flowable composite available. And it can last up to ten years.

Composite for a Discolored Tooth

Regardless of whether you choose traditional or flowable composite, a trained dentist can conceal your dark tooth.

Traditional dental composite steps

A cosmetic dentist will take these steps:

1. Remove plaque from your teeth
2. Lightly shave some of your tooth enamel to make room for the bonding material and prevent your teeth from looking bulky
3. Combine various stints and composites to achieve the right shade and translucence
4. Apply the composite to your tooth
5. Shape, harden, and polish the composite

Flowable dental composite steps

Flowable composite, like Bioclear, requires special training and certification. A trained cosmetic dentist will use these steps:

1. Remove plaque from your teeth
2. Place a mold around each tooth to be treated
3. Inject etching gel between the mold and tooth to ensure the composite adheres to it
4. Rinse and dry your tooth
5. Apply adhesive
6. Inject warm flowable composite between the mold and your tooth
7. Add regular composite
8. Ensure your tooth is the proper shape, size, and shade
9. Remove the mold and polish your teeth

Consult with an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

Schedule an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss how composite can lighten your front tooth and match the color of your surrounding teeth.

 

Cosmetic dentist Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, TX sponsors this post.