Why Did My Wisdom Teeth Erupt Brown?

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Both of my lower wisdom teeth erupted brown. I don’t know why it happened, but I’m self-conscious about it. Also, my lower molar teeth are darker than the rest. Could something be wrong with my tooth enamel? My dentist’s first available appointment is March 6, but I can’t stop thinking about what’s happening with my teeth. Can a dentist restore them? Will porcelain veneers work?

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth and take X-rays, we can use your description to describe what may be happening with your teeth. Remember that the explanation is not a diagnosis without an in-person appointment.

Why Are Your Wisdom Teeth Brown?

If your wisdom teeth erupted brown, you may have defective enamel. Decay can turn tooth enamel brown, but if the tooth erupts brown, it’s not from decay. A medical condition may cause discolored tooth enamel if other molar teeth are brown. Sometimes, a medical condition or medication taken while teeth form can affect their color as they erupt.

Defective enamel can make teeth susceptible to decay. A dentist would recommend a dental crown if a tooth is weak from decay or other causes. However, a weak or discolored wisdom tooth doesn’t need a crown because wisdom teeth are often problematic and need extractions anyway. Your dentist will examine and x-ray your teeth and review your medical and prescription histories to determine the cause of discoloration. Afterward, the dentist can recommend treatment to improve the shade of your teeth.

Will Porcelain Veneers Work for Molar Teeth?

Porcelain veneers will not withstand the forces of biting and chewing on molar teeth. A cosmetic dentist can recommend an alternative to porcelain veneers for discoloration. Depending on your teeth’s condition and the cause of discoloration, teeth whitening or dental crowns may be appropriate.

If your dentist doesn’t have post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training, schedule a second opinion with an advanced cosmetic dentist to compare your treatment options.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Before and after dark teeth picture

Photos of Dr. Brooksher’s patient. A tooth’s condition and location determine cosmetic dentistry options.

Does Leaving Toothpaste on Teeth Help Whiten Them?

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Whitening toothpaste from a tube for info on whitening for a quick smile makeoverI bought a sonic toothbrush and whitening toothpaste. I’ve used both for three months, but I don’t see any difference. The toothpaste instructions say to leave the paste on my teeth for at least a minute, but I leave it on for five minutes, and it still doesn’t help. I was trying to get an easy smile makeover, but this isn’t doing it. Will leaving the toothpaste on any longer help? Thank you. Brandon from Idaho Falls

 

Brandon,

Thank you for your question.

Does Leaving Toothpaste on Your Teeth Help Whiten Them?

Whitening toothpaste may remove surface stains but leaving the paste on longer will not get your teeth whiter. Some whitening toothpaste is abrasive and scratches tooth enamel. Professional teeth bleaching gel contains carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or both. Carbamide and hydrogen peroxide penetrate tooth enamel to break down embedded stains that whitening toothpaste will not budge.

Whiten Your Teeth with Caution

Even if you whiten your teeth with bleaching gel, ensure you know the cause of the discoloration. Teeth stains from coffee, tea, or smoking will break down readily; however, stains from medications or certain medical conditions will look worse if you bleach your teeth.

Getting Safe, Predictable Teeth Whitening

Safe, predictable teeth whitening is dentist-supervised. The American Dental Association recommends talking to your dentist before whitening your teeth to assess the risks accurately. A dentist will examine your teeth before recommending whitening. The findings may reveal that dental bonding or porcelain veneers are safer and healthier for your teeth than bleaching them.

A dentist will take these steps:

  • Determine the cause of staining
  • Make custom bleaching trays that fit your teeth precisely
  • Anticipate whether your gums or teeth might be sensitive to the bleaching gel
  • Recommend an appropriate strength of gel based on the condition of your teeth, sensitivity, and your whitening goals

Although whitening toothpaste and do-it-yourself kits are less expensive than treatment from a dentist, you can get dramatic results with professional whitening. Ask your dentist about teeth whitening and how to make treatment affordable. Professional whitening can give you a quick smile makeover or be the first stage of completely transforming your smile. Request a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

 

Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

Whitening My Teeth Without a Dentist and Feeling Sensitivity

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I am saving for a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, but I want my teeth whitened first. I decided to save $300 by doing the whitening myself. The problem is that my teeth are sensitive after the whitening and sometimes during the day. I will feel an intense but brief shock in my teeth. So now, without my dentist knowing what I am doing, I would like to ask why my teeth are so sensitive and what I can do about it. Thanks! – Carmen from Lexington, KY

 

Thank you for your question, Carmen.

We understand wanting to complete teeth whitening before getting a smile makeover. A skilled cosmetic dentist can match your veneers to your newly whitened natural teeth.

Whitening Your Teeth Without a Dentist

Whitening your teeth without a dentist has some risks. Sometimes, bleaching your teeth can make stains look worse, depending on their cause. It is good to know that your whitening is working and not worsening the stains.

Why Are Your Teeth Sensitive from Teeth Whitening?

If you already have sensitive teeth or cavities, bleaching gel will increase sensitivity. How does bleaching gel create sensitivity? These factors contribute to it:

  1. Bleaching gel causes tooth enamel to become microscopically porous.
  2. The gel penetrates the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). If the bleaching gel is too strong, your teeth may be sensitive to whitening.
  3. Carbamide peroxide in the bleaching gel can affect tooth nerves and create sensitivity.

How Can You Minimize Teeth Sensitivity from Bleaching Gel?

Before-and-after smile makeover from Dr. Steven Brooker of Baton Rouge

A natural-looking smile makeover from Dr. Brooksher

You can minimize sensitivity in your teeth from bleaching gel in several ways:

  • Take ibuprofen before or after bleaching your teeth.
  • Before whitening your teeth, brush them with toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne.
  • Use a lower-strength bleaching gel.
  • Stop bleaching your teeth if sensitivity increases or persists.
  • Contact your dentist if sensitivity lingers.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

 

Which Should I Get – Porcelain Veneers or Invisalign?

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Hi there,

I want a whiter and brighter smile. I was interested in porcelain veneers, but my dentist suggested getting Invisalign first. My teeth aren’t that crooked, so I didn’t think I needed braces. I asked about Lumineers, but he doesn’t do them because they look too bulky. Invisalign would delay me getting porcelain veneers by about a year, and would increase the cost. What should I do?

Thank you,

Ada, from Wisconsin

 

Hi Ada,

Cosmetic dentists usually suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign, but suggesting both is uncommon. If you have bite problems or crowding in your mouth, that could be one reason for getting both.

One thing you can do is get a completely blind second opinion from another cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the ADA, but are a segment of dentists that have pursued additional training in aesthetics and restoration. If they agree, then you can choose which dentist you prefer to do your work. If you dislike the size or shape of your teeth, covering them with porcelain veneers is a good treatment. You also won’t have to wait until your teeth are straight to start, either.

Invisalign bracers are faster than traditional metal braces, and will make sure your teeth are straight and aligned. If you want to brighten your smile, you can get an in-office teeth whitening treatment, or a take-home whitening kit. Your Invisalign bracers can even be used as custom bleaching trays. If you don’t want to rush into treatment, Invisalign is a good option for you.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge Invisalign provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher.