Getting stains removed from teeth

[Custardslice3]

So I appreciate that I'm really fortunate to have managed to find an NHS dentist - I've not been for about 6 years as I've been caring for my son and looking after me just hasn't been a priority. Anyway, I visited yesterday for a routine check and was disappointed to learn that I need a filling (first one so I've no idea what to expect when I go back tomorrow and am quite anxious about it). But the main reason I got my act together on going was because my teeth are quite stained (from tea drinking I think) and I was hoping to get them cleaned a bit. The dentist didn't do any sort of cleaning in the appointment - I thought he would at least do something to remove any build up of plaque etc? - but did say I could book with the hygienist. I find the experience of going to the dentist difficult anyway (though I don't think that shows, so they wouldn't be aware I'm anxious) but it wasn't helped by the fact the dentist didn't look at me when he was talking so I was never sure whether he was talking to me or the nurse, and he said things in quite a clipped way so I felt like I looked stupid if I asked him to clarify what he meant. There was definitely an assumption that I would just be able to afford whatever treatment they were saying I should have, which I sort of can, but with limited income as a carer I do need to figure out what I can justify spending on this.

Sorry this is a bit rambly! I have booked in to have the filling done as I presume that is pretty essential to be taken care of. But then at reception they were talking about an airflow treatment to remove staining (£100), or just a regular appointment with the hygienist (£60)(which it turns out will actually just be the same dentist wearing a different hat) and I felt so overwhelmed by being expected to make a decision on the spot without really any explanation of what was the best thing, and what would work best on the type of staining, so I didn't book in for either. But now I feel really flat about the whole thing because I'm going back tomorrow for a filling which I'm not very happy about because I don't know what to expect, and by the end of the week I'll still have stained teeth 😫

I don't really know why I'm posting! I guess to ask for any opinions on whether paying more for the airflow is worth it? Or should I just suck it up and accept my teeth are a bit stained and save my money? I don't spend a lot of time or money on looks, never have, so it feels a bit vain to be worrying about it. But my son does notice my teeth and comment on them so I think it might give me a bit of a lift to know they look better.

I'm a hygienist and my opinion would be to have a hygienist appointment. My only "concern" would be that it is with a dentist not an actual hygienist. Now I'm not saying dentists can't clean teeth, and i really don't mean any offense to dentists as the majority are more than capable. But in my opinion seeing an actual hygienist would be better if possible.
As to whether air flow is worth it.... without seeing your teeth I can't give an opinion unfortunately. But I would say for 90% of my patients it isn't needed. Maybe it's because I trained a long time ago before it was popular, but I worked without airflow for 15 years and now I have one I still don't use it that much. But I know many hygienists who absolutely love it.
I wouldn't start thinking about bleaching teeth until you see how they look after the stains have been removed. They may look much better and you'll be very happy! What people need to realise is even with bleached teeth they will stain again if you're drinking tea/coffee or smoking or using corsodyl. Bleaching will not remove or prevent surface staining.

Teeth are not meant to be bright white anyway, so many people look like Ross from friends in that episode now. That pic is far far too white. They are meant to be teeth coloured, more ivory than bright white like a light bulb.

@Lollygaggle yes you can, I've done it at least twice.

That's really helpful thank you. I've checked out the website for my son's dentist and they offer a hygienist appointment even though I'm not register there. It will cost £15 more than at my dentist but I think I'll feel more comfortable with that than with the dentist doing it.

I've no intention of bleaching my teeth - I just want the slight patchiness of the staining sorted out. One of my front teeth has always stained worse than the others, I think because there is a slight overlap of the neighbouring tooth, so it's harder to clean it as effectively maybe? So as long as that can be sorted and the colour evened out I'll be happy. Actually the same tooth has a slight chip on the end - barely noticeable but it does make the tooth more sensitive - it's been like that for about 20 years and no dentist has ever suggested doing anything about it before, but he said that when he does the other filling tomorrow he can cap that too. Now I'm worried that it will be really obvious because of the colour of the tooth!!?

What a minefield this is... at least if I'm worrying about that it might distract me from being anxious about the filling! 😆

@Mukey my last post was supposed to be in reply to you, but I've obviously not got the hang of the reply/quote button 😆

Please don't use the crest strips if you have sensitive teeth or any exposed enamel. I was in agony when I used them

Band 1 NHS dental treatment should include a scale and polish if clinically needed. Anything else/more will be with a hygienist.

I agree OP. Dentists used to routinely do a scale and polish but now I find you have to really push for it. I know hygienists are private but it also feels like there's a lot of upselling. I saw a useless one a few years ago who basically did nothing because she said my teeth are fine, then tried to upsell me a water clean.

That said I have seen a brilliant hygienist recently who spent ages on my teeth and they were so clean and much whiter after. Worth every penny!