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

OP, your teeth look perfect as they are. I would be over the moon if I had teeth like yours.

your teeth are fine. Natural tooth colour varies, yours are much whiter than mine but I don't actually care as I'm not subject to 'influencers'.

as mentioned, the 'whitening' stuff sold over the counter in the UK does nothing, the lies on the packaging are allowed because they are beauty products. This is because whitening damages teeth and so should only be done by dentists. The Americans like the 'horse with a piano in its mouth' look and don't have similar rules, so you can buy the damaging stuff from them.

@Trapordo your teeth are amazing just get them whitened a bit more.

I use trays from the dentist with gel.
Haven't done it for ages & I need to but the problem is I like my coffee!!

I am in the UK but have them sent over by relatives in the US.

I think you can buy them on eBay and Amazon too though.

You can buy the strips in multiples without having to purchase a full box to see if it works for you. I usually do 5 days of whitening (so 10 strips) and then top it up when needed.

*Apologies, I’ve just checked and they’re Crest not Colgate.

Don’t get the us crest strips - the bda here has banned them due to too much bleach. I’ve had them whitened at the dentist and it was very effective. Cost about £300

I'm going to get them whitened by my dentist but I'm worried about sensitivity afterwards.

I had incredibly yellow teeth. My dentist said they are naturally yellow. Which means they were strong. White natural teeth are actually weak

I paid £600 to have britesmilr

Even 22 years later. It's never ever gone ack to joe yellow they were. It took them up 14 shades.

I'm gonna have veneers though.

I got 11k for something recently. I always said. If I ever get given 10k. I'm doing it.

So when this is over. I'm gonna go and have them done.

My teeth are shocking. I've had composite bonding. But mine lasted 9 months before it stained.

So that's it. Mind made up. I've found an amazing dentist in London.

The trays from the dentist are really good but I was having a short notice wedding last year and to have trays made and see a significant difference there wasn't enough time. I used these (my dentist advised as a quick fix) www.ukteethwhitening.com/product/crest-professional-effects-3d-whitestrips-luxe/

They definitely worked, use with a led tray (can be purchased for about £8 from Amazon)

Best thing to do OP is speak to a dentist who can check the health of your teeth and gums, work out why they're the colour they are, what your aspirations are and come up with a plan.

@peachypetite just for your info, the BDA is the dentists union, it doesn't have any regulatory function. I think the amount of bleach is limited by the MHRA or someone similar although it's several years since I gave up practising and I can't remember!

@bettythedevilyouknow

Thank you - really insightful

How much do you think if reasonable for all options?
Which do you prefer... veneers or composites?

I asked my dentist about veneers/bonding because I felt they were yellow-y. She flat out refused, saying my teeth are healthy and look fine. She said we are so used to seeing “reality TV teeth” that we forget what normal, healthy white teeth look like.

Anyway, the compromise was that I did an “air flow polish” which is like a fancy scale and polish jet-wash type thing - it really brightened my teeth up, and I was delighted with the results. I’m due to have it again at the end of the month but I guess that won’t happen now.

Bleaching works but only on teeth without fillings/crowns. The home kits are very good I use them regularly

Also- if you get the trays made by a dentist and buy the bleach online it's much cheaper. Polanight is the best and what they use in dental practices. I'm a dental nurse and my husband and in-laws are all dentists and we all use it

I think your teeth are lovely, not yellow at all. They are not meant to be pure white.
I've started using this

Enlighten whitening is expensive but gives the brightest results

Just to be clear, I specially mean Enlighten, not just any bog standard teeth whitening.

www.enlightensmiles.com/

Tooth whitening (by a reputable dentist) is the best way, especially if you like your teeth (yours are lovely). Even if you were just "ok" about your teeth I'd still avoid veneers.

Veneers are so invasive in terms of shaving your own teeth down, then veneers can chip, break, fall off (often at the most inconvenient moments) and they are very expensive. You can't have veneers done over and over as they have to take a fraction more of the tooth surface every time so they are a permanent commitment as your own filed-down teeth on their own underneath the veneers are not pretty and they wouldn't have the full enamel coating any more.

www.gdc-uk.org/information-standards-guidance/information-on-dental-treatment/tooth-whitening-and-illegal-practice

Here is the official GDC legal position regarding tooth whitening in the U.K. the BDA don't have any jurisdiction, but are useful for guidance.
I repeat, don't buy the stuff online. And don't use beauticians or speciality tooth whitening "shops".
They aren't regulated, they are illegal, and potentially dangerous as you could be receiving anything from anyone.

The other thing about these whitening booths/shops that is especially concerning just now in relation to Covid19 is the potential spread of viral infection. I would of course hope that none of these places are operational, but i would be especially concerned that they wouldn't have specific sterilising equipment, staff wouldn't be necessarily trained in decontamination procedures... just a recipe for disaster. So wait until we get out the other side.
I think the only exception to whitening your teeth at present, is if you already have the trays, you can get top up gels from your dentist, who will have sourced them from a reputable supplier.

Regarding your question OP, what would I recommend, for you, I'd definitely go for professional tooth whitening as it works and doesn't damage your real teeth. You'll pay @£250-£400 depending on what part of the country you are in.
I don't rate Zoom at all

@bettythedevilyouknow
Can you whiten the teeth if the enamel has gone ? I use to have amazing white teeth and offer whatever reason over the last ten years or so they have gone yellow and my dentist says it's my fault and the enamel has gone .. can I make them white again ? Tia

@oohnicevase no. The yellow was there is because of the dentine showing through the enamel. I'm a dentist btw, just haven't practised for a long time b

I think if your enamel is gone, there might be a case of composite or porcelain veneers. Depends on the level of the problem. In the meantime, whilst lockdown applies, do your best to prevent the situation worsening, so enamel repair toothpaste, such as sensodyne, drinking through a straw and avoiding drinking or eating anything too acidic. It might not be as bad as you think. Get your dentist to check

Sorry. I meant " a case for..."

I don't drink alcohol and I'm a vegan , I don't know why they have gone like this . He said I brushed them too much straight after a meal ( which is possible I guess ) but they are straight and I really don't want veneers as my teeth are sound and no fillings etc ..
so is that a definite no that you can't whiten the dentine only Enamel?