Is it really true that you only get white teeth from veneers? Are they really the only answer?

[Trapordo]

I haven't really got any big issue. My teeth are just going a bit yellow. Not pleased. I've always had a bright smile but it seems that's no longer really the case. I love the 'shape' and straightness of my teeth so didn't want veneers

However, a friend of mine has a husband who's a dentist. She said whitening at a dentist won't really do anything, and the only way to get white teeth is to get veneers.

I thought you could get them bleached at a dentist but apparently it just doesn't work.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? Not bothered about things like bonding for teeth since I like how they look apart from their colour now

I've done the bleaching with trays made by my dentist and it definitely works. It's not cheap and the bleach causes sensitivity but it works

I ha e had composite bonding. £99 per tooth.

I’ve bleached my teeth via my dentist and it most definitely works.
Veneers come with their own risks and problems.

Top pic is before I had braces and bottom is after....wanted to brighten up hence having the binding on 3 teeth and replaced a crown

Just ignore what I posted......(thought I had posted before I had braces)..so first pic is with bonding on 3 teeth and a crown and bottom pic is before

I thought composition bonding just changed the look and layout of the teeth and not the colour?

Monkey They look amazing with the bonding!

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I think you need a proper conversation with your own dentist. There are lots of options and some of them are quite destructive. If your dentist is still in business after lockdown, make an appointment for a consultation.

I whiten mine once or twice a year (dentist made me some trays and then I buy syringes of whitening gel from her) I think it makes a huge difference - people always comment on what white teeth I had. I had Invisalign and then this seemed like the final touch.

Pic of teeth. I think their shape is okay etc, just a grim colour now

Your teeth look amazing just as they are Trapordo........I don’t think they would benefit from bonding as they are a lovely shape already.

If your teeth are good, you’d be mad to have veneers or bonding.

Last year I had ‘enlighten’ whitening. The dentist makes your trays & provides you with whitening gel to use nightly for 2 weeks. You then have one session at the dentist’s with a stronger gel and you’re done. My teeth were yellowish and now they are a lovely, natural white.

My dentist gave me a few extra syringes of gel is I feel the need to top it up.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. It cost about £550 iirc.

Your teeth are gorgeous OP. Please just consider whitening and don’t mess with them!

I’ve had bleaching done via my dentist and been really pleased with the results, but I think it depends what you’re trying to achieve. If you want those very blue-white teeth which seem to be in vogue at the moment you’d probably need to think about veneers. I agree that the best thing to do is chat to a dentist when this is all over and see what they suggest.

Thanks all! Will go with just Whitening and see what happens.

I tried the at home whitening kits and they're rubbish. Is the dentist version much stronger?

It also depends what the cause of the yellowing is. IIRC yellowing due to too much black coffee (which was my problem!) is easier to correct than yellowing due to enamel wearing away.

Yes, the dentist version is stronger. The gels get progressively stronger during the treatment, plus you get given a really good whitening toothpaste.

I'm a dentist. Don't do whitening kits from home, or from any other supplier. Tooth whitening provided for you by an individual that is not register by the general dental council is illegal. So please seek professional advice only before you proceed.
I've been whitening my patients teeth for over twenty years, using a method of making custom made trays and providing materials to use at night. It works really well. There is an element of couloir fading slightly with time, but they can be topped up easily.
Veneers, whether composite or porcelain based, can be made in whatever colour you want, but you need to bear in mind a few things-
Firstly, they are destructive. So with all the best intentions in the world, veneers require the teeth to be shaved down and prepared in order for a veneer to be placed on top. This can be harmful to the nerve, and further treatment might be required. I usually only suggest veneers or crowns if the original tooth is already misshapen, or has existing fillings or discolouration. It's totally unethical to cut away healthy teeth.
The second point to bear in mind is that it is permanent. Once the tooth is cut away, the procedure can not be reversed. You can't just change your mind. There needs to be upkeep of them, and potentially they will need to be replaced every ten years or so.
Once the lock down is over, you should contact your dentist to chat through your options

Your teeth are fine. If you want to lighten them get Dental in tray it's about 100-300.
I got molds taken of my teeth now just buy the bleach

Do not get zoom or whatever they are calling it now (one day bleaching with lasers). Google side effects some people are left with terrible headaches and tooth pain for months.

betty Would you not recommend bonding?

Yes. I'd recommend bonding. But even with bonding, in most cases the teeth must be prepared in some way first. I'd definitely try tooth whitening first. Also with bonding, ask your dentist what experience they have with it first, as extra training is required in order to get a good finish, not to mention what materials the practice has invested in. Poor composite veneers can look worse than the original teeth. Get recommendations first as well.
Please please please source your whitening/bleaching gel from your dentist. Don't buy over the internet. The product will not be up to scrutiny, might be too strong and cause damage, might be a fake etc.
If you get them through your dentist, this is recorded in notes, trays are checked first ( if you have pre existing trays) and if anything goes wrong, the dentist is in a position to help remedy. This also means the dentist can monitor overuse. Over use of bleaching can cause a type of resorption of the teeth where the enamel starts to develop little pits and holes.

I use colgate strips from the US. They’re stronger than anything on sale in the UK (excluding direct from dentists etc) and they’re very effective at removing stains and brightening teeth.

@Monkeytapper

This is what I want to have. They look fantastic!

Froq are you in the UK? Where do you get them?