Different color of my upper and lower parts of my teeth. (Photo)

Question

Different color of my upper and lower parts of my teeth. Is this normal? Can yearly teeth professionally cleaning fix this? Thanks.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Teeth NATURALLY have gradients of color. Normally 3-4 shades. Professional cleanings will have zero effect. KoR whitening CAN

Neil Hadaegh, DDS · Answer

I appreciate your question, and I understand your concerns. Without an in-person exam, I'm limited in my ability to diagnose you. But here's some information that I generally give my patients with similar symptoms, that might help you make an informed decision on treatment. 
The “yellow” appearance of teeth near the gum line is due to a combination of staining and abfraction/abrasion of your teeth. Habits such as aggressive brushing (especially with hard bristled tooth brushed) can cause abrasions at the gum line. Abractions, on the other hand, are due to heavy biting forces such as from grinding/clenching or an improper bite. Both similarly create that yellow “notch” at the gum line, like the one that is present in your photos. The change in color is due to the underlying dentin layer of the tooth and the root becoming exposed. Annual cleanings will help with staining, but in most cases, a tooth-colored bonding or gum graft are necessary to correct the color and notch at the gum line. 
As I mentioned, an in-person exam with a dentist that has experienced with cases like these is always the best way to go. Best of luck!
Dr. Neil Hadaegh 
#beverlyhillsdentist
#cosmeticdentist

Patric Cohen, DDS, FAGD · Answer

What you are seeing is a combination of heavier staining on the root of your tooth, and the root being more yellow than the crown of the tooth. This appears to be the result of gum recession.

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

Teeth are not one solid color. They are composed of multiple shades and textures. This is why restorations like crowns and veneers must take this into account or the restoration will look like a restoration rather than the tooth it restores.In your case, the discoloration at the base of your teeth is NOT part of your teeth but is clearly stain. This stain can be removed with a professional cleaning. I would also recommend a power brush to help prevent the staining from recurring. Regular visits to your dental hygienist can help prevent the stain from recurring.Good luck!

Colin Lathrop, DDS · Answer

The photo appears to show some missing enamel at the gumline as well as the gum tissue has what is called a clefting defect. This happens when the bite is too forceful in the wrong direction against the lower front teeth. Many docs will place a filling here but the real problem is the incorrect bite force on the teeth. Fillings in the area will address the color but you may consider invisalign if you are a candidate to correct the bad bite issues.

Different color of my upper and lower parts of my teeth. (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Different Shades in a Single Tooth?

Answer: Different Shades in a Single Tooth?

Answer: Gumline Chipping

Answer: Gumline Chipping

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Different color of my upper and lower parts of my teeth. (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Different Shades in a Single Tooth?

Answer: Different Shades in a Single Tooth?

Answer: Gumline Chipping

Answer: Gumline Chipping

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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.