I have very dark tetracycline stains on my teeth. My dentist told me that he could cover the stains with porcelain veneers. I trusted him because I have seen this dentist since 2002. Two weeks ago, I got the porcelain veneers. My teeth now look light gray. The stains are still showing through. Last Friday, I spoke with my dentist and he said that he did the best he could and that at least my teeth are not a very dark shade of gray. If porcelain veneers can’t really make my teeth look white, why did my dentist tell me he could cover the stains? Thanks Autumn

Autumn – Porcelain veneers can successfully cover tetracycline stains, but only if the veneers are placed by a skilled, artistic cosmetic dentist.

The porcelain needs to be manipulated so that it covers the tetracycline stains, but also has the color and translucency of natural teeth. Only an artistic cosmetic dentist has the skill to accomplish this difficult task.

It sounds as if your veneers are too translucent, so the color of the stains on your natural teeth is showing through.

Speak with your dentist about your desire to have a natural-looking smile. Let him know that the veneers you currently have do not meet your expectations. He may work with you to cover at least some of the cost of having your porcelain veneers expertly placed by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.