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Working With My Dentist

Got a Discolored Tooth? Options for Making it Appear Normal

17 December 2015

Siiri Puro

There are a number of reasons why you may have a discolored tooth. You may have bruised the tooth, giving it a grey or blackish tint. You may have delayed having a cavity filled, which can alter the exterior color of the tooth. Or you may have a permanent stain that bleaching and other teeth whitening methods can't lift.

Having a tooth that is yellow, brown or black can make you self conscious when you open your mouth or smile—and if your other teeth are shiny and white, you may feel like the tooth stands out like a sore thumb. Fortunately, you don't have to live with a discolored tooth. There are a few ways to alter the appearance of the tooth and hide the discoloration. Here are a few of the cosmetic dentistry procedures that can change the color of your tooth.

Bonding

If you are in a hurry to have the discolored tooth concealed, bonding may be your best option. A small amount of resin is placed on the tooth and then shaped. You are then placed under a special light to harden the resin. As it hardens, it adheres to the surface of the tooth it is placed atop. This is a great way to alter the exterior appearance of the tooth quickly. Bonding can be used to hide stains, cracks, or to fill in minor chips. The biggest advantage to bonding is that it can be done quickly. Unlike crowns and veneers, bonding is done at the initial appointment. When you have a crown or veneer placed, a mold of your tooth is made and the crown or veneer is made by hand to fit your tooth perfectly and sent back to the cosmetic dentist, where it can then be fitted and installed. This can take a few weeks. If you don't have a few weeks, bonding is ideal.

Crowns

Another option for concealing the discolored tooth is to hide it with a crown. Unlike bonding and veneers, a crown fits over your entire tooth, hiding your natural tooth and creating a completely new one. This can help alter the color, as well as the shape and size of your tooth. Traditionally, crowns are used if the structural integrity of your tooth is compromised. For example, if you had a cavity in the tooth, the tooth may be weak and there may be concerns about whether the tooth will crack or chip as you eat with it. If the tooth is weak, a crown helps strengthen it and gives you a new surface to chew on.

Veneer

The last option for hiding a discolored tooth is to have a veneer placed over it. A veneer looks like just the exterior surface of your tooth and covers only the exterior surface of your tooth. It is made to replicate the size, shape and color of your other teeth, so your discolored tooth looks like the rest of your teeth. A veneer can hide many flaws in your teeth. Aside from discoloration, they can hide cracks, chips and can add length and size to a tooth that may be smaller than desired. If you have a gap in your teeth, placing two veneers over the teeth where the gap is present can help conceal it. When properly cared for, a veneer can last longer than dental bonding, making it a great option for those who want a long lasting solution.

When you have a discolored tooth, you may feel insecure. Solving the problem can help increase your confidence. Bonding, crowns and veneers are three of the cosmetic dentistry procedures that can be used to conceal a discolored tooth and alter its appearance. There are pros and cons to each type of procedure. Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentistsuch as Bonnie Marshall S for an evaluation and to discuss which options are ideal for you.

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