Teeth Whitening for Teeth with Thin Enamel?

asked 2 years ago by straw in NJ
Latest answer by Lawrence Singer, DMD
Question viewed 9,913 times
Tags: discoloration, yellow

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?

7 answers to Teeth Whitening for Teeth with Thin Enamel?

Your best option is either veneers or crowns

With how much your enamel is eroded, whitening may not be the best option for you. You could damage the pulp, and/or your teeth can become extremely sensitive after the procedure. Also, the whitening procedure may not work for you. With how much your enamel is gone, porcelain veneers or crowns will give you a whiter, and longer lasting, smile.

Lawrence Singer, DMD
Washington Cosmetic Dentist

Whitening is conservative, but not always the answer

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, then a restorative option becomes the best choice. That includes veneers, if there is enough enamel to achieve good bonding, but may mean full coverage all ceramic crowns for the best long term... more

Gregory Allen Kerbel, DDS
Dallas Cosmetic Dentist

Crowns may be needed for heavily eroded teeth

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 satisfactory shade You should consider all porcelain crowns to restore the contour and color of your teeth, and protect them from further breakdown.

Lorenzo Minniti, DDS
Alpharetta Cosmetic Dentist

Full crowns may be a better option

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.

Daniel W. Schiavone, DDS
Rochester Cosmetic Dentist

Teeth that are eroded cant be whitened

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

Jennifer Jablow, DDS
New York Cosmetic Dentist

Unfortunately, veneers or full porcelain crowns are the best option

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.

Anca Bazile, DDS
New York Cosmetic Dentist

There may be no other choice

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 may satisfy you. If you have a specific level of white you are seeking, bleaching may be a frustrating process for you. Only porcelain crowns or veneers give you the control of the... more

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

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