my husband has brown teeth caused by fluoride would whitening be an alternative to veneers

Q. My husband had brown teeth possibly caused by fluoride or other treatments in the water which are added to make salt water drinkable. When he was 20 he saw a dentist and had his teeth whitened. This lasted 1 or 2 years then his teeth became more stained than previously. He is now 29 and very unhappy with his teeth. Our local dentist has sugested porcelain veneers to the upper 8 and lower 8 teeth at a cost of £3200. My concern is the cost and that they only last 5-10 years. Is there any way to undo the damage caused to his teeth? If he drinks fresh water for a number of years will this make any difference? What if he returned abroad would his teeth get worse? Would whitening be an alternative to veneers. Is it normal for whitened teeth to become worse than they were originally within 2 years? What treatment would you recommend? Thanks

A. Veneers last for different lengths on different people. If you look after your teeth and have regular dental check-ups- and most importantly, the performing dentsit does a good job, then there is no reason why the veneers wont last in excess of 10 years.
The damage done to his teeth- happened as his teeth were developing, so nothing can be done now to reverse this. Whitening can help- if a deeper whitening system is used. This may take longer than usual- and is not guaranteed to lift the colour totally. The price you have been quoted is a very reasonable price. As your husband is only 28, he needs to consider treatment now, so that his confidence is not knocked even further as time goes by, but leaving the teeth untreated will not do any harm in this case. Hope this has helped

Dr Kailesh Solanki Kissdental – UK Practice of the Year 2007 157 Woodsend Road, Flixton, Manchester, M41 8GN.2 New Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2QS. 13 Stanley Street, Manchester, M8 8SH. Web: www.kissdental.co.uk Tel: 0161 748 5250 View My Profile Dr Solanki

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