Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 11/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: My lower teeth, the two right in the front.
They are a dark yellow or a very light brown but only on the front.

It's about 3/4 of one of them (the top 1/4 is ok).

And it's hard to see but it's also on the tooth to the right.

Also while all my other teeth feel smooth.
But if I run my tounge across the brown spot that spot feels like a fine sandpaper.

I did have braces when I was a kid if that makes a difference.

It's been like that for a long time so nothing new nor does it seem to have gotten worse.
I've attached a pic to make it easier

I'd just like to know what it is and what I can do about it.
Whiteners have done nothing.
And my regular dentist seems to want to get out of answering when I bring it up...

Thanks in advance,

Kenny

ANSWER: is there a filling on that tooth already? maybe it is just aging and starting to discolor. if not, then why not do a small plastic filling on the front of that tooth to cover up the stain area and make it appear the same color as your other teeth. this should be something simple to do.

see if this helps out. thanks for the picture....it really helps me out when answering questions.

good luck,

jeff dalin, dds

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

No I don't remember getting those teeth worked on at all other than cleanings.

I wasn't the best with brushing when I was a kid I guess that's what I get lol

So you think that's some kind of stain actually hardened on there?
If I run my nail down there it does feel like my finger has to come out a bit further.

Would I see a regular dentist about that cover or a "cosmetic dentist"?

Thanks,

Kenny

Answer
it could be some sort of hardened stain. maybe it is even some sort of stain that can be polished off with finishing discs. ask your dentist to try this. if it still will not come off, then a little plastic filling will cover the stain right up. there is no such thing as a cosmetic dentist specialty. most all dentists do cosmetic dentistry. you merely want one who does a lot of it. this should be simple and relatively inexpensive. good luck,

jeff dalin, dds