Jaw surgery caused gum recession (stable now), I want to whiten and even out the color of my teeth - is this possible? (Photo)

Question

Ive been told I have discoloration from my mom taking tetracycline, she doesn't recall that. In any case- I have a wide range of shades and want to whiten them and make the color more uniform. Is that possible or will everything whiten to the same degree? What's my best bet Khors, Zoom or dental whitening?

Arash Hosseini, DDS · Answer

Hi there! Based on your photo and description, it looks like you've undergone periodontal surgery to treat chronic gum disease &mdash; which is quite different from orthognathic "jaw surgery." The discoloration you're noticing doesn't match the pattern typically seen with tetracycline staining, so it's unlikely that's the cause.
What you're seeing is likely the result of long-term gum disease that led to bone loss and gum recession. This has exposed the roots of your teeth, which naturally appear darker and more yellow due to the underlying dentin. Additionally, you're showing signs of significant abfraction lesions &mdash; notching near the gumline caused by excessive stress or grinding forces.
Unfortunately, these darker root surfaces and exposed dentin don't respond to traditional whitening treatments. In fact, attempting to bleach those areas can cause severe sensitivity.
Your best option is to visit your general dentist to restore those areas with tooth-colored composite bonding, which can improve the appearance and protect the exposed root surfaces. Also, you may benefit from wearing a custom nightguard if grinding or clenching is contributing to the abfractions.

Jaw surgery caused gum recession (stable now), I want to whiten and even out the color of my teeth - is this possible? (Photo)

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Jaw surgery caused gum recession (stable now), I want to whiten and even out the color of my teeth - is this possible? (Photo)

Answers (1)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Teeth Whitening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.