Teeth Whitening for teeth with thin enamel?

How do I whiten teeth with thin enamel that shows the dentin? I had acid reflux that is now under control. However my teeth are now yellow in hue due to my dentin. In office, and custom tray at home whitening have not helped.

Any suggestions other then expensive veneers?

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6 answers to “Teeth Whitening for teeth with thin...”

A: Whitening is conservative, but not always the answer

Gregory Allen Kerbel, DDS

I am a big fan of whitening. It is conservative and very effective as long as your teeth have enough enamel. The yellow part showing through is most likely the dentin and whitening is intended to work on the enamel portion.  For patients who have lost enamel to the degree that you are describing,... more

A: Crowns may be needed for heavily eroded teeth

Lorenzo Minniti, DDS

If your teeth are so eroded that the dentin shows through the translucent enamel on the front part of your teeth,  you may have already lost all of the enamel on the back of your teeth.  Whatever is left ( the dentin) will wear down much more quckly and will not bleach to a... more

A: full crowns may be a better option

Daniel W. Schiavone, DDS

If the strength of your teeth is compromised by erosion then full porcelain crowns may be the best option.  Your teeth will get cosmetic improvement AND structural re-enforcement.

A: Teeth that are eroded cant be whitened

Jennifer Jablow, DDS

Teeth that have been eroded away by acid attack, either by reflux or acidic foods/ drink cannot be whitened with results. The dentin is exposed or very thin enamel has dentin show through. Veneers are the only way to improve the look of this condition

A: Unfortunately, veneers or full porcelain crowns are the best option

Anca Bazile, DDS

The thin enamel may get whitened, however the dentin never will. Additionally, you may traumatize the pulp (nerve) which sits under the dentin, with teeth whiteners. Thank you for your question.

A: There may be no other choice

Lance Timmerman, DMD

Unfortunately, not everything works for everybody. By doing a "Deep Bleaching" process, you may be able to get the enamel AND dentin to lighten. However, whitening of teeth is unpredictable. Some people lighten very well and others not as much. Generally speaking, if you want whiter teeth, bleaching... more

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