My Dental Bonding Makes Fluorosis Stains Look Worse

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It might be hard to believe, but my dentist’s dental bonding job worsened my fluorosis stains. The bonding color is uneven, the stains still show through, and the bonding is peeling off. The day I got the bonding, it fell off two teeth the same evening. I returned to my dentist to replace the bonding and told him that the color is off. He added another layer of bonding that fell off. Unfortunately, my dentist implies that I must grind my teeth or have a habit of weakening the bonding. He recommended that I wear a night guard. I tried it, but the bonding will not stay on. This situation is more stressful and embarrassing than my fluorosis stains. Bonding should not fall off, but how long should it last? Is it unrealistic to expect bonding to stay on fluorosis-stained teeth? I will try again with another dentist if my dentist gives me a refund. Thank you. Alicia

 

Alicia

We are sorry to hear about your experience. It is frustrating when you are excited about a solution for your teeth, but the results worsen things. Without cosmetic dentistry training, fluorosis stains can be challenging to conceal.

What Is Fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is a condition that results from consuming too much fluoride as a child—while permanent teeth are still developing. Although fluorosis does not affect the health of your teeth, it can spot and discolor them. The stains are usually limited to the tooth enamel and do not affect the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). See the Center for Disease Control’s website for information on fluoride supplements and toothpaste use.

Types of Fluorosis Stains

Fluorosis stains can be mild, moderate, or severe.

 

  • Mild fluorosis – White specks, spots, edges, or lines randomly appear on teeth. The stains may be limited or extensive.
  • Moderate fluorosis – Moderate stains cover a wider area of your teeth. The stains are often brown.
  • Severe fluorosis – Brown spots or streaks dominate your teeth. Fluorosis can make the tooth surface feel rough.

Concealing Fluorosis Stains

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Porcelain veneer

An expert cosmetic dentist can conceal fluorosis stains. After a thorough examination and x-rays, the dentist will let you know the results you can expect from dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers for fluorosis stains.

Most general or family dentists do not stock the tools and composites to achieve beautiful results. But a cosmetic dentist can get beautiful results with steps like these:

  • Grind out the discoloration
  • Bond high-quality composite to replicate your tooth enamel
  • Apply a base layer that has some opacity
  • Overlay the base with translucent composite

Whiten Your Teeth Before Dental Bonding

If you want to whiten your teeth overall, ask your dentist for teeth whitening treatment before composite is applied. Afterward, your dentist will apply bonding that matches your whitened teeth.

Why Does Dental Bonding Fall Off?

Dental bonding requires specific steps to keep it intact:

  • Etch, rinse, and dry the tooth enamel
  • When fluorosis stains are severe, increase the etching time
  • Apply a liquid bonding agent and cure it with a curing light
  • Place composite over the cured bonding agent

Your dentist must ensure that your bonding is so firmly in place that the only way to remove it is by grinding it off. If your cosmetic dentist does bonding correctly, it will not fall off.

Asking Your Dentist for a Refund on Bad Bonding

You paid for a service that you did not receive. That is the basis for asking your dentist for a refund. Depending on your dentist’s response, you have these options:

  • Reporting the issue to your dental insurance company
  • Asking your new dentist for help in requesting a refund
  • Filing a complaint with the state dental board
  • Leaving negative online reviews
  • Hiring an attorney

Schedule a Consultation

Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist if you want your fluorosis stains concealed without anyone noticing your dental work.

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

 

What Are the Options for Hiding Fluorosis Stains in Teeth?

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I have dark fluorosis stains on six upper front and side teeth. I know the stains are permanent and that I can get veneers for my teeth to hide the stains. But what are my other options? – Nikki from Charlotte, NC

For our readers- Fluorosis stains can occur when a child’s teeth develop. Too much fluoride can cause irregularities, discoloration, or spots on teeth. If a child consumes too much fluoride, white or brown spots develop on the tooth enamel. Also, pits can form in the teeth.

Nikki –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office in Baton Rouge.

What Are the Options for Fluorosis Stains in Teeth?

The options for fluorosis stains in teeth include porcelain veneers and dental bonding. A cosmetic dentist will recommend treatment based on these factors:

  • The condition of your teeth
  • The extent of the fluorosis stains
  • Your budget
Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers. Although porcelain veneers are the most expensive option for concealing fluorosis stains, an expert cosmetic dentist can make the veneers look like your natural teeth. People cannot tell the difference between them and your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years.

Composite dental resin (dental bonding). Cosmetic dentists use this tooth-colored material to cover imperfections and discoloration in teeth. Cosmetic dentists know how to manipulate the color and translucency of the resin to match your teeth perfectly. But the composite is less durable and stain resistant than porcelain veneers, lasting about five to eight years.

Teeth bleaching.

Schedule a Fluorosis Stains Consultation

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth and explain your options for concealing fluorosis stains in your teeth. In addition to discussing the pros and cons of the treatment, the dentist can explain a cost estimate. You may prefer porcelain veneers over dental bonding if you can afford a longer-lasting result.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.

 

Feel Like Hiding Your Smile? 4 Ways Porcelain Veneers Can Help

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Regardless of how it looks, your smile gets noticed. But what if you don’t want anyone to notice your smile? Porcelain veneers can open the door to an unbelievable smile transformation that you’ll never want to hide.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.
Porcelain veneer

After your natural teeth are lightly prepared, or shaved, thin wafers of custom-made porcelain are bonded to the fronts of them.

What Can Veneers Do for Your Smile?

Veneers will improve the appearance of your teeth. Shape, size, color, and alignment can all be enhanced.

1. Alignment and Spacing

If your teeth are misaligned or have gaps between them, porcelain veneers can correct minor issues. You can have a perfectly aligned smile without orthodontic treatment.

2. Color

Time, age, certain medications, and other factors can darken your teeth. When teeth whitening doesn’t help, porcelain veneers can give you a white smile that looks natural. You get to choose the shade. Even the most stubborn stains—like those caused by fluorosis and tetracycline—can be concealed with veneers.

3. Size

If your teeth are uneven or disproportionate, porcelain veneers can help. The thin wafers of porcelain will conceal the imperfections and correct a variety of issues, including:

  • Too small
  • Worn down
  • Peg laterals

4. Shape

The shape of your teeth determines the personality and characteristics of your overall smile. If you want your smile to convey warmth, boldness, or another message, porcelain veneers will achieve it.

What Can You Expect?

After you receive an examination, a cosmetic dentist will ask you to help design your smile. You’ll have input on the size, color, and shape of your teeth. You’ll also see a digital mockup of your smile and be able to try it on. The smile you want is the smile you will receive.

A smile design with porcelain veneers is an investment, but if done correctly it will last. Don’t look for cheap veneers. They often slip, pop off, or become discolored. The best results are achieved by a dentist with advanced training and experience in cosmetic dentistry. Don’t leave your smile design to chance.

We recommend that you schedule consultations with at least to cosmetic dentists—preferably accredited cosmetic dentists. Ask each dentist to show you photos of their own patients’ smile makeovers. After the consultations, you can compare dentists, the options offered, and the results you can expect.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Steven Brooksher of Baton Rouge. Dr. Brooksher is one of ten accredited cosmetic dentists in Louisiana.