I have one brown tooth. It’s hideous, and I make sure I don’t show my teeth when I smile. I think the tooth is rotten. Or maybe not. I really don’t know what’s wrong with it. I am wondering if Zoom will make the tooth white or at least whiter? Thanks. Kenneth from Maine
Kenneth – Dr. Delaune would need to examine and possibly x-ray your tooth to determine why it is brown.
Will Zoom Whitening Make a Brown Tooth Lighter?
Depending on the cause of the discoloration, Zoom whitening may make a brown tooth lighter. But sometimes, bleaching teeth makes stains more noticeable.
What Causes Brown Teeth?
Staining beverages, including coffee, tea, wine, and cola, can cause brown teeth. Tobacco products also stain teeth and make them brown. But if only one tooth is brown, something else is probably causing it.
Too much fluoride (fluorosis) when you are young and still developing can give your teeth a patchy brown appearance. Tetracycline stains can also make teeth brown, although the brown usually appears in bands on the teeth.
Visit an experienced cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth. They will determine the cause of the stain and let you know whether Zoom will work.
What If Zoom Doesn’t Work?
If a cosmetic dentist decides that Zoom or any other type of teeth whitening will not improve your tooth color, they will explain your options. Some possible options include:
Dental bonding – A dentist blends and applies dental composite by hand while sitting in the dental chair. Cosmetic dentists select and layer composites to match the color of your surrounding natural teeth.
Porcelain veneer – You can get one customized porcelain shell to fit the front and sides of your tooth. An advanced cosmetic dentist understands how to manipulate porcelain to hide the dark color but still match the translucence of your natural teeth.
Dr. Duane Delaune, an cosmetic dentist in Metairie, LA, sponsors this post.