Tag Archives: white spots on teeth

Will Teeth Whitening Help White Spots or Make Them Worse?

When I was a child, solid white spots developed on the tips of my teeth. As a teenager, I had braces, and I think the braces cause white spots on my upper center front teeth. My family dentist says my teeth are healthy, and since I’m 30 years old with healthy teeth, I shouldn’t be overly concerned. The white spots because they are noticeable when I smile. Will Zoom whitening or whitestrips make the spots more prominent, or are porcelain veneers better? Thanks, Laney from AL

Laney,

So many dentists have the attitude that your teeth look okay, so leave them alone. But that’s not what you want. And they’re not genuinely concerned about how you feel about your smile. They just fix teeth to their satisfaction. Don’t ask your family dentist to do anything about the white spots on your teeth.

Zoom whitening, whitestrips, or any teeth bleaching will improve the spots on your teeth. It can make them worse. Although some dentists might prescribe whitening, find a dentist with advanced training in cosmetic dentistry.

Although Dr. Lacy would need to examine your teeth, dental bonding might conceal the white spots. If not, porcelain veneers will cover them. If you want a brighter smile overall, you can whiten your teeth and then use bonding or porcelain veneers for the white spots.

But don’t think that every dentist who claims to be a cosmetic dentist can do the work. Some claim to be a cosmetic dentist because the procedures are profitable. But the dentists don’t have artistic talent or training, color management, or translucence. If you choose a dentist based on their claims alone, you can still be disappointed with the results.

Take time to find a cosmetic dentist to conceal the white spots, and then you can return to your family dentist for general care.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, of Plano, TX, sponsors this post.