Is it possible to shave down my teeth to whiten them?

Question

Im a 17year-old female & I need help.Ive been struggling w/ discoloration on my teeth since I was 8years.All my teeth are white besides the lower part of my two front adult teeth.Ive tried everything to get a white smile:over-the-counter whiteners & "blue light".I even convinced my parents to have me get braces only for it to be a distraction.My dentist said that the stains were perminant.I was also told about veneers. but i dont want vaneers[$].is it possible JUST to shave down my teeth?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

In some very FEW cases, stains are superficial, and simply roughening the outer layer will remove stains.  However, it is impossible to know how deep the stains are until you are "in there" and removing enamel.  You and your dentist need to be prepared with alternatives in case your situation can NOT be corrected easily.  

	Porcelain veneers are the most predictable and likely solution to your issue.

Joseph Hufanda, DDS · Answer

Shaving down your teeth is not the best option because you open yourself up to more issues down the road.  If the discoloration is not too deep, micro-abrasion can be done  to minimize or even remove the discoloration.  However, if it is deeper, the dentist may have to remove the stain/discoloration with a handpiece and replace it with bonding that  matches the surrounding tooth structure.  There is an option of prep-less veneers that can mask out the stains/discolorations and give your teeth a uniform appearance.   Best of luck to you.

Elizabeth Jahanian, DDS · Answer

It is not recommended to shave down discolored teeth without restoring them.  The reason being that nerve endings may become exposed and cause sensitivity.  It could also have esthetic and functional consequences depending on how extensive the discoloration is.  The discolored areas may be removed, but should be restored with either bonding or veneers.  Thank you, Dr. Elizabeth Jahanian.

Wendy S. Spektor, DDS · Answer

Find a dentist in your area that uses ICON-A new conservative bonding agent that was made to help those with white spots.  You can try whitening strips to brighten your smile and then use the ICON.  Much success-Dr. Wendy spektor

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

White spots on teeth are often superficial, meaning that with a little abrassive polishing of the teeth the stains can be greatly diminished or even completely eliminated. If the only cosmetic issue is white spots I would always recommend trying to eliminate the spots using microabrasion techniques before resorting to veneers.

Is it possible to shave down my teeth to whiten them?

Answers (8)

Answer: White Spots can be treated with a new product called ICON

Answer: White Spots can be treated with a new product called ICON

Answer: Eliminating White Spots on Teeth

Answer: Eliminating White Spots on Teeth

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.

Is it possible to shave down my teeth to whiten them?

Answers (8)

Answer: White Spots can be treated with a new product called ICON

Answer: White Spots can be treated with a new product called ICON

Answer: Eliminating White Spots on Teeth

Answer: Eliminating White Spots on Teeth

Browse related questions

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.