I Got BL1 Shade Teeth and New Crowns That Are Yellowing

I found a dentist to brighten my teeth Hollywood white. I asked to replace my old crowns, too. We waited for the tooth color to settle, but the crowns don’t match and seem to be yellowing after just seven months.  I smile less often, and I’m embarrassed to smile. I wasted my money. My dentist says I shouldn’t have asked for super-white teeth. Reid from LA

Reid,

We understand that achieving the perfect shade for your dental crowns is crucial for your confidence and satisfaction with your smile. Let’s clarify some aspects of tooth color, especially extraordinarily bright shades.

Understanding Ultra-White Tooth Shades like BL1

Dentists often refer to specialized shade guides when discussing white teeth, especially after professional bleaching. For instance, the Ivoclar shade guide for bleached teeth includes shades like BL1, representing colors beyond the typical natural tooth range. Understanding these ultra-white shades is helpful when planning cosmetic dental work like crowns.

Here are a few key points about the BL1 shade to consider, particularly if you desire a very bright smile:

• Shade BL1 is noticeably whiter than what occurs naturally in unbleached teeth.
• You can often achieve a BL1 shade for your natural teeth through professional teeth whitening procedures.
• For a natural look, dentists recommend that if you choose BL1 crowns, you should also whiten all your visible natural teeth to match this shade first. Otherwise, super-white crowns next to darker natural teeth can look artificial.

Why Might Porcelain Crowns Change Color?

It can be concerning and disappointing if you notice your porcelain crowns start to look yellow or discolored over time. High-quality, intact dental porcelain is generally very resistant to staining and should maintain its original color for many years.

If your porcelain crowns appear to be turning yellow, specific factors are likely responsible rather than an issue with the porcelain material itself when it’s undamaged. Here are potential reasons why discoloration might occur:

• Material Composition: The crowns may not be entirely composed of high-quality dental porcelain. Authentic porcelain maintains its color stability exceptionally well if the surface remains intact.
• Glaze Damage: The smooth, protective outer layer on your crowns, known as the glaze, might have sustained damage. Specific dental procedures or substances can compromise this glaze, making the crown susceptible to staining. For example, acidulated fluoride treatments or abrasive power polishing equipment (sometimes used for cleaning) can roughen the glaze. A dental hygienist properly trained in caring for porcelain restorations will know to avoid these specific agents and techniques on your crowns.

We recommend scheduling an appointment for a second opinion with a cosmetic dentist with expertise in aesthetic restorations. The cosmetic dentist will examine your crowns thoroughly to identify the cause of the discoloration.

Please be assured that an experienced cosmetic dentist possesses the skills, artistic eye, and materials to create crowns, including those on dental implants, that match the BL1 shade of your whitened teeth, resulting in a seamless and beautiful smile.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post. Read why patients agree that he is one of the best dentists in Rocky Hill.

Why Did Teeth Whitening Make the White Spots Look Worse?

and the white spots looked worse. My dentist recommended another brand of whitening. I’m nervous about how my teeth will work. Are there alternatives to improve the white spots without bleaching my teeth again? Thanks. Myra

Myra,

Advanced cosmetic dentistry training is crucial for treating teeth discoloration. A dentist without this expertise may not fully understand the underlying causes of discoloration and may recommend ineffective treatments.

Do Teeth Whitening Products Work for White Spots?

Teeth whitening products are generally ineffective for improving white spots. While whitening products can lighten stains embedded in teeth, they do not address uneven discoloration or spots caused by other factors.

What Causes White Spots on Teeth?

Decalcification is often a cause of white spots on teeth. The spots often occur around brackets on braces. Factors that can cause decalcification include:

• Trapped food debris or bacteria beneath braces or around brackets
• Plaque buildup, which can deplete calcium from teeth
• Calcium deficiency

What Are the Treatment Options for White Spots on Teeth?

A cosmetic dentist can recommend several treatments for white spots, including:

• Remineralization: Fluoride treatments or remineralizing gels can help improve teeth over time.
• Microabrasion: This treatment involves removing discolored tooth enamel and applying an abrasive substance to smooth the surface.
• Dental bonding: A cosmetic dentist can apply a bonding material to replace areas of decalcification and blend it with the surrounding tooth color.

Consulting an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

We recommend scheduling an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist to determine the best treatment. They can assess the cause of your white spots and provide personalized treatment recommendations.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist sponsors this post.